By: Chad Jones | Follow me on Twitter/X @ShutUpChadJones
So many things that could have gone wrong for the Boston Bruins last season became unfortunate realities. Whether it was changes in the coaching staff, losing key contributors due to trades or injuries, or certain players not playing to their ability, Boston had a myriad of problems last season. With Marco Sturm entering his first season behind the Bruins’ bench, there are many key points he will have to address this year.
Generating Looks
One major issue that plagued Boston throughout the season was the team’s inability to produce offensive chances consistently. The Bruins averaged 26.5 shots on goal per game, which ranked 29th in the National Hockey League. Only the Montreal Canadiens, Vancouver Canucks, and Chicago Blackhawks averaged fewer.
Boston only managed 2.71 scores per contest last season, tied with the New York Islanders for the fifth-lowest in the league. The Bruins struggled mightily to consistently find the back of the net all year, but the problem was not limited to that issue.
Boston’s team Corsi percentage indicates how well the team is dictating play, consistently producing shot attempts, and scoring chances. The Bruins finished with a Corsi percentage of 47.73, which was 27th in the NHL. More often than not last season, Boston was not driving play in their offensive zone.
Sturm must find a way to tap into Boston’s offensive output, especially from the complementary players. While David Pastrnak is an incredible offensive talent, he accounted for nearly 48 percent of all Bruins goals last season. Boston must do a better job of establishing zone time this season, generating more looks, and burying chances at a higher rate.
Killing Penalties
In the 2024 campaign, Boston was elite at stifling opponents on the man advantage. The Bruins tied for sixth in the league with the Florida Panthers by killing off penalties 82.5 percent of the time. But this trend would not continue in 2025.
Last season, Boston only managed to fend off opponent power plays 76.3 percent of the time. That is very disappointing, considering the Bruins brought in Elias Lindholm and Nikita Zadorov, two very capable defenders and penalty killers.
This season, the Bruins’ penalty killers will have to do a much better job of denying easy zone entries, limiting the number of high-danger chances, and helping out their goaltenders.
Better Play Between the Pipes
Speaking of goalies, Jeremy Swayman will have to be more effective in this campaign. After signing an eight-year deal worth $66 million, the Bruins’ number one goaltender struggled in his expanded role.
A 3.11 goals against average and a save percentage of .892 is not good enough. After missing part of training camp and getting that contract, Swayman must be more consistent and focused this upcoming season.
While the Bruins look for better results throughout their lineup this season, they must improve in all facets of the game. Very few players on Boston reached expectations last season. Sturm will have his hands full in his first year as Bruins coach to get Boston back on the right track.
The front office needs to be completely replaced. Neely, Sweeney both gotta go