The Boston Bruins aren’t just entering a new era — they’re trying to survive one.
After a brutal 2024–25 season that saw them miss the playoffs entirely, the team made a coaching change, naming Marco Sturm as their new head coach for the 2025–26 campaign. The pressure is on — not just to win, but to rebuild identity, restore culture, and fix glaring weaknesses.
And one of those weaknesses? The power play.
At 15.2%, Boston’s man-advantage unit ranked fourth-worst in the league last season — a shocking development for a franchise known for its special teams dominance. That poor performance came despite having David Pastrňák, one of the most lethal scorers in the league, anchoring the top of the PP depth chart.
Now, under Sturm, expectations are changing — and so is the approach.
Sturm’s Staff Signals a Shift in Strategy
Sturm wasted no time assembling his coaching staff, retaining key assistants Jay Leach and Chris Kelly, along with goaltending coach Bob Essensa.
But the real move that caught attention was still pending — the search for a third assistant, specifically someone with power play experience.
As Sturm told reporter Scott McLaughlin:
“We’re looking for someone who can help us improve on the power play.”
That’s not just a minor tweak — it’s a direct acknowledgment that the unit needs an overhaul.
And if the power play changes, then every player on it — including Pastrňák — will be evaluated.
Pastrňák: Star or Scapegoat?
Let’s get one thing straight — Pastrňák isn’t the problem. He’s been one of the league’s most consistent goal-scorers since joining the league, racking up 122 power play goals since the 2014–15 season — the most by any Bruin during that span.
But here’s the twist: having a great scorer doesn’t mean you have a great power play.
Despite Pastrňák’s elite finishing ability, Boston struggled to generate clean looks, sustained zone time, and puck movement. Too often, the unit looked stagnant, predictable, and easily neutralized.
This isn’t about blaming him — it’s about recognizing that even stars need systems that work for them. And right now, the system isn’t delivering.
Under Sturm, that could change.
The Power Play Problem – And What It Means
For the first time since the 2014–15 season, the Bruins finished in the bottom half of the league in power play percentage.
Even worse? Their 15.2% success rate barely edged out the disaster-level units from years past — like the 14.8% clip they hit back in 2012–13, a shortened lockout season.
So what gives?
A lack of structure. Inconsistent chemistry. And yes — too much reliance on individual talent instead of execution and creativity.
Fixing this could require more than just a new assistant. It might also involve lineup changes, new personnel, and possibly even a shift in philosophy when it comes to how Boston deploys its offensive firepower.
And that could place Pastrňák — Boston’s leading scorer and face of the franchise — in unfamiliar territory.
Why This Could Mean Big Changes for Pastrňák
Pastrňák has always thrived in front of the net, using his quick release and nose for the crease to score big goals. But in today’s NHL, power plays are evolving.
They rely on movement, deception, and creative puck distribution — things that don’t always suit Pastrňák’s style.
Enter Sturm’s new assistant — whoever lands the job will likely push for a more modern setup. One that spreads the ice, forces defenders to make choices, and rewards vision and puck control.
If that happens, Pastrňák may find himself adapting — or being asked to take a step back in favor of players who fit better within a restructured attack.
Does that mean he’s part of the problem?
No. But it does mean his role might be shifting — and fast.
Rebuilding Isn’t Just About Wins — It’s About Fit
Marco Sturm didn’t come to Boston to preserve the status quo. He came to fix what’s broken — starting with the power play.
And while Pastrňák remains a critical piece of the puzzle, the arrival of a new coach, a new assistant, and a new mindset means nothing is guaranteed.
Fans may not want to hear it — but sometimes, the brightest stars shine brightest when the system around them works best.
And if Sturm’s plan requires shaking things up, don’t be surprised if Pastrňák finds himself in a different kind of spotlight — one where his adaptability, not just his scoring, defines his value.
