Flavin Media

As the Bruins continue to try to embrace the modern era of top teams forcing play with their physical forecheck, there’s another element this roster needs to fully utilize individual skill sets: an upgrade in on-ice fervor.

It was apparent at times in today’s game vs. Washington during scrums—and at multiple other points this season—that Bruins players only set a tone of passion when the game’s situations demand it. Whether it’s a dirty hit or an opposing player being a thorn in their side, our team tends to respond to others’ actions rather than initiating scrums or passionate puck battles themselves.

If you want to compete with the NHL’s best, you have to realize that players need to set the mental tone alongside maintaining persistent forechecking. This issue will only grow if the Bruins cement themselves in the playoff bracket, and Sacco has to be monitoring it closely.

Frederic, Brazeau, Coyle, Geekie, and several defensemen stand out as players who should be called upon to provide more than they currently give in terms of tone-setting.