Flavin Media

https://twitter.com/NHLBruins/status/1859806665094140237

Joe Sacco led the Bruins to a 1–0 win over Utah last night, and that’s the kind of start you want to see. The players bought in more and executed a logical, effective game plan.

I’ve said it before: low-scoring games for the opponent are exactly what you want to see with this roster. This team’s identity is supposed to be built around stout defense and elite goaltending, so let’s remember that before constantly pointing fingers at the offensive forwards.

Do we need to score more? 100%. But this team should live and die on the defensive side of the puck. Sacco even pointed out the flaw of trying too hard to produce offense at the expense of defense.

The team overall played with real forechecking effort, increased shot volume, and gradually adjusted its strategy. The new use of the bumper on the power play led to Elias Lindholm’s big goal.

This team needs to keep playing to that identity and continue implementing player strategies that fit the opponent.