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  • Bruins GM Don Sweeney Reveals Plans for Empty Captaincy Role

    Bruins GM Don Sweeney Reveals Plans for Empty Captaincy Role

    The Boston Bruins are at a crossroads. After trading away longtime captain Brad Marchand at the deadline, the team is now in uncharted territory when it comes to leadership. With no obvious successor to step into the role, GM Don Sweeney recently spoke about how the organization plans to approach filling, or not filling, the captaincy ahead of the 2025-26 season.

    A New Era Without a Leader

    For years, the Bruins’ captaincy was a no-brainer. Zdeno Chara wore the “C” for over a decade before passing it to Patrice Bergeron, who in turn handed it to Marchand. But now with Marchand gone and the team going through so much turnover, there’s no obvious choice.

    On the “100% Hockey” podcast with John Shannon and Daren Millard, Sweeney talked about the process of deciding if the Bruins will even name a new captain anytime soon.

    “We’ll go through that process and make that (decision) organizationally whether that’s the best for us,” Sweeney said. “I’ve said we need to reestablish what our leadership group is.”

    Rebuilding Leadership Takes Time

    Sweeney said leadership can’t be forced, it has to develop naturally within the group. He talked about how the Bruins struggled to establish a leadership approach this past season after Bergeron’s retirement.

    “We have some great guys that are looking forward to filling those voids,” Sweeney said. “Peel back a year ago, I thought a lot of this transition was going to happen a year ago with the departure of Patrice. … Some of the things guys were going through, we had a difficult time having that galvanized leadership approach to things, and we need to go about getting back to reestablishing that.”

    The Bruins aren’t just looking to hand someone the “C” but to get the entire leadership group aligned. Whether that means naming a captain or having multiple guys share responsibilities is to be seen.

    Head Coach Comes First

    Before the Bruins can figure out the captaincy, they have to figure out the head coach. Sweeney said this is the top priority right now because the head coach will set the culture and leadership tone in the locker room.

    Luckily the Bruins have plenty of candidates for both positions. The challenge is figuring out which ones, or combination of ones, can guide the team through this rebuild.

    What’s Next for the Bruins?

    While we wait for answers on the captaincy, Sweeney’s comments suggest we’ll have to be patient. Instead of rushing to name a new leader, the Bruins are going to let the process play out.

    Will David Pastrnak be the face of the franchise? Will Charlie McAvoy be the vocal defenseman? Or will the Bruins go with a committee approach to leadership? We won’t have those answers overnight but when we do, it’ll reflect the bigger picture Sweeney and the front office have for the team moving forward.

  • Bruins Should Pursue Canucks Forward This Offseason to Boost Roster

    Bruins Should Pursue Canucks Forward This Offseason to Boost Roster

    The Boston Bruins are staring down the barrel of an important offseason after a 2024-25 season that fell short of expectations. With plenty of cap space to play with, the Bruins can rebuild their roster and get back to being competitive. One name they should be looking at? Vancouver Canucks forward Pius Suter, a pending UFA who can bring much needed depth and secondary scoring to the lineup.

    Why Pius Suter is the Perfect Fit for the Bruins?

    Suter had a career year for the Canucks despite their tough season. In 81 games, the 28-year-old Swiss forward set new career highs with 25 goals and 46 points. That’s scoring the Bruins desperately need after trading away Brad Marchand, Charlie Coyle and Trent Frederic this season.

    But what makes Suter so appealing isn’t just the scoring – it’s the versatility. He can play center and wing which gives coach Jim Montgomery flexibility with line combinations. Suter’s two-way game is strong and he can play in all situations – penalty kill and power play. For a Bruins team looking to rebuild the forward group, having a player who can fit in anywhere is huge.

    Addressing Key Weaknesses

    The Bruins traded away key forwards like Brad Marchand, Charlie Coyle, and Trent Frederic and now have holes in their forward group. Those moves were made for the future, but the team still needs impact players to fill those voids.

    Signing Suter would address the lack of offense and bring stability to the lineup. He showed he can play in a top nine role last season and with how thin the Bruins’ forward corps is now adding, someone with Suter’s skill set and reliability could be huge.

    Coaching Search Adds Another Layer of Intrigue

    As the Bruins are evaluating their roster needs, they are also searching for a coach to replace the interim. Joe Sacco, who stepped in as interim coach, hasn’t been ruled out as a candidate for the full time position but management is considering all options before making a decision.

    Whoever gets the job will inherit a team in transition. Bringing in a proven commodity like Suter could help take some pressure off the new bench and provide veteran leadership in the room. Players like Suter are glue guys who elevate everyone around them.

    Other Moves to Watch This Offseason

    While Suter should be the top priority, the Bruins are already making moves. They let go of Matt Grzelcyk, whose role dwindled in the playoffs. They acquired Henri Jokiharju in a trade to bolster the D.

    In the AHL, the Providence Bruins are keeping hope alive by making the Calder Cup playoffs. Their success is a reminder to develop young talent and sign established vets like Suter.

    Will the Bruins Make Their Move?

    With so many question marks around the Bruins, signing Pius Suter in free agency feels like a no brainer. He checks all the boxes: offense, defense, position flexibility. If signed, he’ll be a fan favorite and a cornerstone of the new forward group.

    For a team looking to bounce back from a terrible season, signing Suter would be the first step to getting back in contention. We’ll see if they make a push for him but the fit is clear.

  • Bruins Offseason Shrouded in Accountability Issues

    Bruins Offseason Shrouded in Accountability Issues

    The 2024-25 Boston Bruins season was a total disaster and the team finished at the bottom of the NHL standings. Fans were frustrated and rightfully so. But on Wednesday during the post-mortem press conference, CEO Charlie Jacobs came out and sounded accountable.

    “We owe you a better team and we will deliver a better team,” Jacobs said. “I share your disappointment and frankly embarrassment at how bad this season was.”

    Jacobs said the results were “completely unacceptable” and that accountability would be at an all-time high going forward. Sounds good but as the presser went on cracks started to show in the Bruins’ commitment to actual accountability.

    Accountability Takes a Backseat

    What started out as a good mea culpa quickly turned into defensiveness. Instead of talking about specific plans to get better, much of the conversation turned into whataboutism—a tactic that undermines the Bruins’ credibility.

    One of the biggest examples came when The Boston Globe’s Kevin Paul Dupont brought up the Bruins’ struggles in drafting and developing young talent. General Manager Don Sweeney and President Cam Neely didn’t take that lying down.

    “Can you just elaborate on that, Kevin?” Neely asked, challenging Dupont to clarify his point about Boston’s poor drafting record.

    Dupont pointed out the Bruins’ lack of top-10 picks and first-round selections over the last few years. Neely countered by bringing up the 2015 NHL Draft and said Don Sweeney wasn’t given enough time to prepare.

    While it’s true Sweeney inherited a tough situation in 2015, dwelling on the past felt like a distraction. Instead of talking about current problems or how to fix them, Neely seemed more interested in defending old decisions—decisions fans have long moved on from.

    Drafting and Developing: A Persistent Problem

    Neely says the narrative around Boston’s drafting is “a little off.” He points out that many of the players drafted by the Bruins have played NHL games, which he calls a success.

    But let’s be real: Just playing in the NHL shouldn’t be the benchmark for evaluating draft picks. What matters is whether those players contribute once they get there.

    Take Jakob Forsbacka Karlsson (29 NHL games) and Jack Studnicka (107 games) for example. Are these guys “hits”? Or are they misses?

    Look no further than the 2016 draft, where Boston took Trent Frederic 26th overall—a player scouts called a bottom six grinder not a top line producer. Six picks later, they took Jordan Kyrou and then Alex DeBrincat 39th. Both are top six forwards in the NHL.

    In 2017, Boston went defense again and took Urho Vaakanainen 18th. Meanwhile, Josh Norris, 19th, and Robert Thomas, 20th, became offensive players elsewhere.

    Even in 2019 and they went with Johnny Beecher—a safe, high floor pick who has not lived up to expectations.

    These are the patterns: The Bruins have consistently chosen low risk, low reward over high upside. And while some teams have found gems late in the first round (Wyatt Johnston, Connor McMichael), the Bruins haven’t been one of them.

    Pass the Buck, Lack of Clarity

    The lack of accountability went beyond the draft. When asked about hiring a new head coach—a role with a notoriously short shelf life under Sweeney’s leadership—the answers were dismissive at best.

    “I’ll call you back and let you know if someone says no,” Sweeney said when asked about candidates being hesitant.

    Meanwhile, Jacobs said, “The shelf life of a head coach is much shorter than a general manager or a team president.”

    That may be true, but it doesn’t excuse the front office from creating a stable environment for coaches to succeed.

    Looking Ahead or Living in the Past?

    Despite their recent struggles the Bruins are optimistic about the future. Jacobs said they’ll be back in the playoffs in 2026 with the additions they have planned and a healthier roster.

    Neely echoed that but added a qualifier: “It’s not just about getting into the playoffs here, it’s about winning.”

    That’s a great goal but it requires more than just words. It requires facing the past head on and making real changes.

    For example, if the Bruins had beaten the Blues in Game 7 of the 2019 Stanley Cup Final or kept themselves competitive against the Panthers in 2023, the narrative might be different today. But dwelling on what ifs won’t get the team moving forward.

  • Why the Bruins Are Making Morgan Geekie a Priority This Offseason?

    Why the Bruins Are Making Morgan Geekie a Priority This Offseason?

    The Boston Bruins have made it clear: Morgan Geekie is not just another player on their roster—he’s a building block for their future. After a two-year tear where he lit the lamp and cemented himself as a top-six forward, the Bruins are going to do everything in their power to keep the 26-year-old forward in the lineup for years to come.

    A Two-Year Run That Demands Attention

    When Morgan Geekie signed with the Bruins in 2023 on a two-year, $4 million deal, nobody could have predicted what he would do. Over his time in Boston, Geekie has 50 goals and 96 points in 153 games. That puts him second in goals scored behind only David Pastrnak and fourth in points among Bruins skaters.

    In the 2024-25 season alone, Geekie set career highs across the board—33 goals and 24 assists for 57 points. His five-on-five production per 60 minutes was right up there with superstars like Colorado’s Nathan MacKinnon. But beyond the numbers, Geekie has brought another level to the Bruins’ offense especially playing with David Pastrnak.

    Bruins GM Don Sweeney didn’t beat around the bush when talking about Geekie’s value:

    “It’s obvious we want to get in front of [re-signing Geekie], because that sets up other things we may or may not be able to do,” Sweeney said. “We’d like to sign him to a longer term deal. He had a hell of a year.”

    Why Geekie is Non-Negotiable for the Bruins?

    Geekie is a restricted free agent (RFA), so the Bruins have all the leverage. Other teams can offer him an offer sheet, but matching those offers would be manageable given his projected salary. But Sweeney said losing Geekie isn’t an option.

    “We know he’s going to be on our team next year regardless,” he said.

    But the Bruins aren’t just going to keep Geekie – they want to lock him up long-term. With over $28 million in cap space heading into the 2025 offseason, the team has the room to make a deal that reflects both his current production and his growth.

    The question is, where does Geekie fit into the Bruins long-term plans? If he continues to be a top-line player, the Bruins will have to pay him accordingly. If he becomes a third-line player, they’ll look to structure the deal to avoid a “third-line albatross” like they did with David Backes.

    What’s Next for Negotiations?

    Talks between the Bruins and Geekie’s camp started before the 2024-25 season, but no deal was reached. However, both sides are still talking, and it’s all mutual respect and shared goals.

    Sweeney acknowledged the complexity of the negotiations but is optimistic they’ll find common ground.

    “I’ll save those conversations for my internal group,” he said. “We want a long-term deal. We’ll look at term, AAV and all the factors to find the right landing spot.”

    The upcoming increase in the NHL cap adds another layer to these talks. Middle-six talent like Geekie is going to get paid more than he has in almost a decade, so this negotiation is big for both sides.

    The Bigger Picture

    For the Bruins, it’s not just about rewarding a good player – it’s about building a contender. As the team goes through transitions elsewhere in the roster keeping a proven scorer like Geekie ensures continuity and stability moving forward. Plus, he’s versatile. He can center the 2nd line or be a depth scorer and his ability to play different roles makes him more important to the team. For a GM like Sweeney who likes to make smart moves, locking up Geekie fits the Bruins’ big picture.

  • How Riley Duran Became the Talk of the Town in His Bruins Debut

    How Riley Duran Became the Talk of the Town in His Bruins Debut

    It was a night to never forget for Riley Duran, the Woburn native and Boston Bruins rookie, who made his National Hockey League debut on Thursday, April 10, at TD Garden. With a sold out crowd of 17,850 and a big group of friends and family in attendance, Duran lived the dream.

    “It was just like I thought as a kid playing in the Garden,” said Duran, 23. “It was a great atmosphere tonight. I hate we didn’t get the win but it was an amazing experience and one I’ll never forget.”

    The Bruins called up Duran on an emergency basis after injuries started to pile up. Off a 58 game stint with the Providence Bruins, Boston’s AHL affiliate, Duran had 12 goals and 16 points. In 69 career AHL games, he had 14 goals and 20 points so he was ready for the next level.

    Transitioning to the NHL: A Daunting Task

    Getting to the NHL from the AHL is no easy task. Duran quickly figured that out.

    “You’re playing with and against guys that can make plays,” Duran said. “You just gotta be aware of them when you’re out there.”

    On the right wing of the Bruins’ fourth line, Duran didn’t waste any time making his presence known. Alongside newcomers Fraser Minten at center and Marat Khusnutdinov on the left wing, the trio gave Bruins fans a taste of the future.

    Duran’s physicality was on display early when he laid a huge hit on Blackhawks defenseman Kevin Korshinski along the boards in the first period. The 6-3, 199 pound winger also showed off his offensive skills with a nice net front presence during Boston’s scoring chances.

    “I loved playing with those guys,” said Duran. “Minten I know from playing in Providence. He was there a couple weeks and is a really good player. Those two were flying around. It was fun to play with them.”

    A Glimpse of Potential in a Tough Loss

    Duran’s best scoring chance came in the second period when it was 1-1. He pounced on a centering pass that bounced off Pavel Zacha’s skate and shot quickly. Blackhawks goalie Arvid Soderblom denied the attempt with 3:30 left in the period.

    “I thought Riley got better as the game went on,” said Bruins coach Joe Sacco. “He had a really good opportunity in the second period. I think it hit the goalie on the shoulder. He was on the forecheck, moving his feet. He was noticeable, which I thought was a good start for him.”

    Chicago spoiled the homecoming by scoring three straight in the third period. Down 4-1, Duran didn’t give up, and had a nice give-and-go with Bruins defenseman Nikita Zadorov in the middle of the period.

    Duran was scoreless with two shots on goal, 19 shifts for 12:50 of ice time. He also had a 26-second power play shift and 27-second penalty kill shift. And he was 1-0 in the faceoff circle.

    Coaches and Teammates Praise

    Sacco said Duran’s line was one of the better lines offensively.

    “I know Pasta’s line does (a lot of) the scoring, but that other line with him and Fraser and Koozie developed and generated good scoring chances in the second period,” Sacco said.

    Bruins alternate captain David Pastrnak agreed.

    “I thought that was our best line,” Pastrnak said. “Riley, Minty, and Kooz, they played really well together. They made nice plays and were fun to watch. I was really impressed.”

    Feeling at Home in Boston

    A former Providence College Friar, Duran played 102 career NCAA games from 2021-24, scoring 27 goals and 55 points. Drafted by Boston in the sixth round (182nd overall) of the 2020 NHL Entry Draft, Duran has always wanted to wear the Bruins jersey.

    “I’ve worked out here in the summer,” Duran said. “Everyone welcomed me in with open arms and it felt comfortable. I was just a little nervous going into my first game as usual. I played pretty good. It’s just a tough loss.”

    It was a crazy 24 hours but Duran wouldn’t trade it for anything.

    “It was a lot tougher, but it’s over with,” Duran said. “I’m glad to share this with family and friends. It was awesome.”

  • Is This the Bruins’ Missing Piece? Toughest Prospect Joins Roster

    Is This the Bruins’ Missing Piece? Toughest Prospect Joins Roster

    The Boston Bruins are back at it tonight (Sept. 28) as they take on the Philadelphia Flyers in a pre-season game. The roster for this one has been released and one name jumps out: Jackson Edward , a prospect who’s finally getting his chance to play.

    Jackson Edward Returns

    Jackson Edward is in the lineup tonight after missing the early part of training camp with an upper body injury. This is his first pre-season game with the Original Six franchise so it’s a big deal for the 20 year old.

    Edward has already made a name for himself with Bruins fans with his physical play and size. Many see the 2022 7th round pick as a future shutdown defenseman for the team—a role that could get him in the NHL lineup down the road.

    More Than Just Toughness: Edward’s Growth at the Junior Level

    Edward is known for being tough but he’s also shown steady improvement offensively at the junior level. Last season with the London Knights, he set new career highs with 7 goals, 23 assists, and 30 points. He didn’t stop there, he took his game to another level in the playoffs with 2 goals and 11 points in 15 games.

    He’s not just a tough guy, he’s a guy who can score when needed. That’s what makes him a unique prospect. He’s not just a guy who hits hard, he’s a guy who can contribute offensively. That’s what will be key as he tries to crack the Bruins roster in the coming years.

    What to Watch Tonight

    Bruins fans should keep an eye on Edward tonight. He’ll likely bring his physical style of play to the ice and deliver big hits and show off his defensive skills. It’s early in his development, but moments like these are crucial for prospects trying to prove themselves at the NHL level.

    For Edward, this is more than just another pre-season game; it’s an opportunity to show the Bruins organization and the fans why he’s the hype.

  • Two Boston Bruins Players No Longer Worth Defending in 2025

    Two Boston Bruins Players No Longer Worth Defending in 2025

    It’s been a tough season for the Boston Bruins, and fans are getting frustrated. A team that’s used to being good is now in uncharted territory, looking for answers. It’s easy to blame injuries or bad luck, but some players just didn’t show up when it mattered most.

    When you have to rebuild or retool, you have to make tough decisions. And for general manager Don Sweeney, two players stand out as expendable assets who haven’t earned their spot on this roster. Let’s get into why Elias Lindholm and Joonas Korpisalo might not have a future in Boston.

    Elias Lindholm: A Trade Away from Finding His Fit

    When Elias Lindholm joined the Bruins, fans hoped he’d find his old self from Calgary. Unfortunately, he’s been a total bust. 47 points and 17 goals in 82 games isn’t what you get from a guy who’s supposed to be a top 6 player on a Cup contender. Sure, he tied for 3rd on the team in scoring with Brad Marchand and Pavel Zacha, but Marchand was traded midseason and Zacha struggled early on.

    Lindholm brought physicality, blocked shots, and won faceoffs, but that wasn’t enough. The Bruins needed offense, and Lindholm just didn’t deliver. His game is more suited for a middle 6 on a contender than the top 6 expectations on him in Boston. If the Bruins are serious about retooling, trading Lindholm could free up cap space and bring back assets that fit more into their long term vision.

    Joonas Korpisalo: Ready for a Fresh Start

    It’s no surprise Joonas Korpisalo wants more ice time—and honestly, the Bruins should give it to him. Korpisalo had some bright moments this season, three shutouts in 24 starts, but inconsistency was his calling card in Boston. He rarely put together two good games in a row, and his numbers are mixed. 0.500 quality start percentage and five “really bad starts” (25% of his starts) mean he was unreliable when the Bruins needed him most.

    Fair enough, Korpisalo outperformed Jeremy Swayman in save percentage (0.893) and GAA (2.90). But Swayman is the goalie of the future in Boston and especially after signing a big contract extension. Korpisalo knows his time in Boston is running out. Sending him to a team like Columbus, where he could be a 1B goalie, makes sense for both.

    Why These Moves Matter?

    They are at a crossroads. Retooling isn’t just about getting rid of underperformers—it’s about making room for young players and retooling the roster to win for years to come. Trading Elias Lindholm and Joonas Korpisalo would show they are willing to change and win over being mediocre.

    For Bruins fans sick of watching their team come up short these moves could be the start of something better. Letting go of players who no longer fit the vision isn’t easy, but it’s necessary if Boston wants to get back to winning.

  • Brad Marchand’s Honest Confession About Transition to Panthers Before Stanley Cup Playoffs

    Brad Marchand’s Honest Confession About Transition to Panthers Before Stanley Cup Playoffs

    It has not been an easy year for Brad Marchand, even for a veteran like him. The league is as wild as ever and throws curveballs at every player. For Marchand, this year was a big change: leaving the Boston Bruins – a team he called home for 16 years – and joining the Florida Panthers – a team that wants to win a championship.

    Switching sides of the rivalry isn’t something players take lightly. Marchand said he never thought he’d face this. And here he is, wearing a Panthers jersey and getting ready to defend the Stanley Cup against old friends like the Tampa Bay Lightning.

    Adjusting to Life Without the Spoked B

    For over 10 years, he wore the Spoked B on his chest. He was the embodiment of gritty, never say die hockey – loved by Bruins fans and hated by opponents. But when extension talks stalled in Boston, reality set in – it was time for a new chapter.

    “It’s not a surprise anymore,” Marchand said in a candid chat with NHL.com. “For me, the biggest thing is not to be someone I’m not, Which is hard for me to do anyway. I get into the games and I’m me. I can’t turn it off.”

    Marchand knows better than to try to change who he is. His personality and competitive nature are who he is. Trying to tone himself down or fit into a mold that’s not him would backfire. Instead, he’s embracing being the same intense competitor he’s always been under pressure.

    From Villain to Valuable Asset

    The Panthers’ fanbase had mixed feelings about acquiring Marchand. After all, he wasn’t just any player—he was that guy everyone loved to hate when the Bruins faced off against Florida. Whether it was his physical play, trash talk, or clutch performances, Marchand left a lasting impression on Panthers fans.

    But hatred for an opponent doesn’t equate to disrespect for their talent. As Panthers leading scorer Sam Reinhart put it, “Everyone hates to play against him, but he is someone everyone would want to have.”

    Reinhart’s words echo throughout the locker room. Marchand’s arrival brings more than just skill; it adds experience, leadership, and a proven track record of excelling in high-stakes moments. With 16 playoff appearances and two Stanley Cups already under his belt, Marchand knows exactly what it takes to succeed when the stakes are highest.

    A Fully Loaded Roster Ready for Battle

    Now that Marchand is on the roster, the Panthers are going to make another deep run. And they’re not done. Tkachuk and Kulikov are expected back for Game 1, and this team is already loaded.

    This might be the best team of the 2024-25 season. Their goal? Win the Stanley Cup again and prove it wasn’t a one time thing. With Marchand added to the mix, the Panthers are ready to take on everyone in their way.

    Good to Have Him On Board

    Marchand has become a must have for the Panthers. He makes everyone around him better and that’s what a team looking for back to back titles needs. Adjusting to life without the Spoked B hasn’t been easy but Marchand’s honesty and determination is why he’s one of the most polarizing and respected guys in the NHL.

    As the playoffs approach Marchand isn’t worried about proving anyone wrong or shutting up the critics. He’s just being himself—a competitor who won’t compromise who he is no matter where his career takes him.

  • Why Elias Lindholm Is Ready for a Breakout Year with the Bruins

    Why Elias Lindholm Is Ready for a Breakout Year with the Bruins

    The Boston Bruins put a lot of expectations on Elias Lindholm after signing him to a 7 year, $54.25 million contract in the offseason. But the 2024-25 season didn’t go as planned for the 30 year old center and neither did he nor the team know what to do. But his strong finish has set him up for redemption in 2025-26.

    A Rocky Start to the 2024-25 Campaign

    Lindholm’s season got off to a rough start when he missed 9 days of training camp due to an injury. On Thursday, during the Bruins’ breakup day at Warrior Ice Arena, Lindholm revealed that a back injury he suffered in early August kept him out for most of the preseason.

    “The main reason was probably that I got injured,” Lindholm said. “But yeah, definitely, you sign a big contract, you want to perform and deliver.”

    The pressure mounted as Lindholm struggled to find chemistry with David Pastrnak and his own game early in the season. He was demoted from the top line, and that added to his frustration.

    “It’s been a lot of good years here (in Boston) and obviously this year wasn’t as good,” Lindholm said. “So you kind of put a lot of blame on yourself when you’re here to kind of help the team. And it went the other way. So yeah, definitely some pressure but it’s for everyone.”

    Finding His Groove Late in the Season

    Things started to come together for Lindholm after the trade deadline when interim head coach Joe Sacco put him back with Pastrnak and Morgan Geekie. Over the final 16 games of the season, Lindholm had 6 goals and 9 assists, 3rd on the team in scoring with 17 goals and 30 assists for 47 points overall.

    “I was chasing it for a long time there,” Lindholm said. “Couldn’t do too much on the ice or off the ice, and felt like I was behind and tried to get back in shape to play at a high level, but felt like I was behind for a long time. But, yeah, definitely at the end I started feeling better and started playing better.”

    This late season run has Lindholm feeling good heading into the offseason.

    “For myself, it was something to kind of put in my back pocket and build off and try to improve in the summer and come back and hopefully have a better camp, be healthy, and start where I left off and help this team next year.”

    What Teammates Are Saying About Lindholm?

    Defenseman Nikita Zadorov has played with Lindholm for five years in Calgary and Vancouver and knows what the center brings to the table even when the numbers don’t show it.

    “He’s a leader, for sure,” Zadorov said. “And you see the last seven, eight games and they put him with Pasta like he’s been playing. That’s where we expect him. He had some stuff to deal with this year and no excuses, obviously, but I’ve seen him at his best. I know what he can bring and I know he’s an unbelievable playoff player as well … and he’s gonna bounce back for sure.”

    Zadorov also pointed out Lindholm’s intangibles that fans don’t see.

    “You guys look at the points, yeah, he didn’t produce points, but you don’t see the other stuff. What he does good, faceoffs, PK, he plays power play. He’s a great complementary player. He’s always in the right position for D. He’s a perfect center to play with.”

  • Joe Sacco Discusses Coaching Future Amid Bruins Speculation

    Joe Sacco Discusses Coaching Future Amid Bruins Speculation

    The Boston Bruins are at a fork in the road as they head into the offseason, and there are many big decisions to be made. One of those decisions is whether interim head coach Joe Sacco will be back behind the bench—or even in the organization at all. Speaking to reporters at Warrior Ice Arena on Thursday, Sacco said he still hasn’t gotten any clarity on his future with the team.

    “No,” he said when asked if there had been any talks about his role moving forward. “I think that’ll be addressed as we go. Right now, we have exit meetings today, and our players are getting their physicals. So that’ll be addressed soon.”

    A Season of Ups and Downs Under Sacco

    Sacco joined the Bruins’ staff in July 2014 and took over as interim head coach in November after Jim Montgomery was fired after an 8-9-3 start. At first, it seemed to breathe life into the team. The Bruins won seven of their first nine games with Sacco behind the bench.

    But the momentum didn’t last. Boston’s season-long problems—especially on defense—resurfaced as the season went on. Over the final 60 games, the Bruins went 24-30-6 under Sacco and missed the playoffs.

    “Everybody thinks about team defense, they think about defending in your own zone. It’s not necessarily the case,” Sacco said about the team’s struggles. “It’s other things that factor into playing team defense. It’s managing the puck, executing plays at the right time, it’s game management—all the things I’ve talked to you guys about all season.”

    He added, “It just seemed like at times we weren’t able to sustain that for 60 minutes. Whether it be execution or just sometimes lack of details, whatever the case may be, we just weren’t able to sustain it for 60 minutes of the game like we would have.”

    Players Rally Behind Sacco

    Despite the team’s struggles, several players supported Sacco, praising his leadership and ability to bring the team together during a tough season. Morgan Geekie was particularly effusive after the season ended.

    “Joe’s great. He was put in a tough spot, for sure—just where the team was at the time,” Geekie said. “And he did a good job of getting us together. It’s too bad we couldn’t play every night for him because I think when we did play, we were a good team, and you saw that after the deadline and around Christmas, just how good of a team we could be.”

    Geekie added, “He’s a good man and a good coach, and I had a lot of fun playing for him. … I can’t say enough good things about him as a coach, as a man, and how he kind of brought us down the stretch.”

    Would Sacco be Assistant Coach again?

    With his future uncertain, Sacco was asked if he’d consider returning as an assistant coach if the Bruins hire someone else as head coach. He hedged.

    “That’s a tough one,” Sacco said. “We’ll see what happens in the near future. We’ll address that if and when that comes up.”

    Ten years with the Bruins

    Regardless of what the Bruins do, Sacco is grateful for the opportunity to have coached the team, even if it was only on an interim basis. As a Medford native, coaching his hometown team meant a lot to him.

    “I’ve been very fortunate,” Sacco said. “I think just finishing up over a decade here and being part of a great organization—the Bruins have treated me very well, and they’ve been very loyal, and I feel like I’ve been loyal too. It’s worked both ways. So no, I’ve been really lucky to be in this business and be with the same team for that long. You’re pretty fortunate as an individual.”