By: Declan Flavin | Follow me on Twitter / X @FlavinDeclan
The Boston Bruins’ regime change, with head coach Marco Sturm and assistants like special teams coach Steve Spott joining the mix, has been quite remarkable so far. It’s been hard to sit back and reflect on just how effective the adjustment has been, given the playoff push the group is under amid the Winter Olympic Games, but it’s worth diving into.
With general manager Don Sweeney establishing his retool plan and a new coaching staff aligning with how the franchise wants to strategize, the Bruins have once again become an opponent other teams circle on the calendar. The group’s 32-20-5 record hasn’t been a mere reflection of skill, but rather the product of a set of refreshing qualities.
Honesty
Above all, this roster boasts a level of honesty, not only in how Sturm’s influence carries off the ice, but in how each player’s style translates on the ice as well. Players young and old aren’t meticulously slotted into segregated roles within the lineup; instead, they’ve been universally ushered into providing a more unified approach.
This more physical approach has called on everyone, from Sean Kuraly to David Pastrnak, to rely on the shape they build over the offseason to wear down opponents more during games. Compared to the turmoil of the recent years under Jim Montgomery and Joe Sacco, this level of authenticity has been easy to detect, particularly in how players are allowed to grow into their playing weight rather than being held back from certain situations.
Versatility
With the element of an honest game has come the versatility to call on players like Viktor Arvidsson or Fraser Minten to climb the lineup when needed. These players, already fit to play an aggressive style, can now influence the skilled players even more, while also establishing themselves as key depth pieces.
This has created a reality where the top players in the lineup can sustain an injury, yet the group can still succeed thanks to their identity and the presence of a high-level goaltender like Jeremy Swayman. Although fans somewhat expected this element before the season, it has only truly been achievable because of the versatility Sweeney brought in over the offseason and the approach to the game implemented by his new head coach.
Passion
When you think back on recent Bruins seasons, you also can’t help but recognize a temporary shortage of life and energy for the game across the entire roster. That type of deficiency is inexcusable for a franchise like the Bruins, and it has been restored by personalities like Sturm, Zdeno Chara, and others.
Whether fans can see it or not, players are excited to return to the practice and game arenas, and it shows in how well the group has persevered through the negative slumps this season. A quick return to the National Hockey League’s group of contenders doesn’t happen because of one person alone; the franchise has clearly relied on multiple contributors, both on and off the ice.
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