The Boston Bruins look like a different team under the tutelage of interim Head Coach Joe Sacco. In eight games with Sacco at the helm, the Bruins are 6-2-0 and playing with more purpose, and as defenseman Nikita Zadorov admits, “more passion and pride.” The team has gotten back to its true identity, which is a solid defensive structure and timely goal-scoring. As a club that is offensively challenged, the Bruins have found a way to win close, low-scoring games with effective goaltending and contributions from several forwards. Here are three takeaways from the Joe Sacco era:
Shoot Now, Ask Questions Later
Under former Head Coach Jim Montgomery, the philosophy was “quality over quantity when shooting the puck on net. The Bruins would work in the offensive zone to cycle for the best available opportunity. This style did not seem to fit the personnel, which lacks true playmaking centers. Under Sacco, the Bruins are now getting more shots to the net and more opportunities for rebounds as evidenced Wednesday in Chicago when Morgan Geekie and Brad Marchand contributed rebound goals. Boston has outshot their opponents in six of the eight games under their new coach.
Bruins Showing Good Details
Over the first 20 games under Montgomery, the Bruins were experiencing high giveaway totals and poor defensive structure. Winning puck battles along the boards was also an issue at times and mentioned by the coach in almost every postgame interview. Under Sacco, the Bruins are back to winning puck possession more consistently and keeping the opposing team at bay in front of their own net. Without Hampus Lindholm, the Bruins might have found a short-term solution with veteran defenseman Jordan Oesterle playing alongside Charlie McAvoy. The pairing of Brandon Carlo and Zadorov has the size and some good results, although on Wednesday night the combo combined for eight giveaways. But overall, the simple details have been more present in Boston’s game. Winning battles, winning faceoffs, and winning plays are a good recipe for success.
The Lines Are Less Scrambled
In the midst of erratic play, Montgomery would change line combinations nightly and then it became shift to shift. The players would even comment about the lack of cohesiveness. Montgomery seemed to be out of answers and grew more and more impatient. With Sacco, the lines have been steady and consistent. Slight changes due to game situations have occurred, but forwards know who they are skating with on a more regular basis. The results have been more chances on net and more goals overall. Marchand and Justin Brazeau are showing some chemistry as is the pair of Pavel Zacha and David Pastrnak. Game after game, the Bruins look more like the team they are capable of being.
The Bruins have won six out of eight games and find themselves in the thick of things in the Atlantic Division. The schedule has been light, but the Bruins have beaten teams they should beat for the most part. An upcoming trip out west should be more of a barometer on the team’s progress. But, for now, there is a better vibe with the team and the record proves it. The main reason could be that their new coach has directed the team back to basics.
Season 4. Episode 14. West Coast Road Trip. – Bruins Benders Podcast
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