BOSTON — The Boston Bruins only needed one goal to defeat the Utah Hockey Club in Joe Sacco’s debut as head coach, and it came on the power play.
After coming up empty on the first four power plays, Elias Lindholm got the proverbial monkey off his back when he collected the loose puck in front of the crease and potted his third goal of the season.
“It was great to see Lindy pop one in,” Sacco told reporters after the win. “The guys were really excited for it on the bench.”
Sacco changed up the personnel on the power play, electing to go with four forwards and one defenseman on each unit.
It certainly gave the team the spark it was looking for. Evne though they were 1-for-7, the Bruins peppered Utah goalie Karel Vejmelka 18 shots while on the man advantage.
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“They didn’t score early on, but they were executing and they were creating some chances,” Sacco said of the power play units. “It doesn’t take away the juice from you, and they actually create some (juice) for the guys.”
The Bruins had more shots with the extra attacker (18) than they generated at even strength (13). Sacco said the team discussed having a shot-first mentality before the game.
“We talked about that five-on-five as well,” Sacco explained. “Being more shot ready. You don’t want to be a perimeter power play. We want to attack. We want to get inside.”
Sacco continued: “I know, speaking for myself, when you’re facing the oppositions power play, they’re trying to get inside, and if you keep it to the outside, you’re doing you’re job. So, our guys did a good job of attacking the inside tonight.”
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The Bruins finished the game on the power play when Utah forward Kevin Stenlund was called for slashing Brad Marchand. Utah took a chance and pulled Vejmelka to try and tie the game.
Sacco had a simple message for his players in that moment.
“Don’t get scored on,” Sacco laughed. “No, I mean typically, in a situation like that, we’ll go into a spread with two defenseman, making sure that we’re moving the puck around the perimeter in that situation. Not forcing any plays. Don’t give them any chance to get on the offense.
“… The guys did a good job here tonight. We still have to continue to get better, but it was a good start.”
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The Bruins will look to build on that success when they face the Red Wings in Detroit on Saturday.
Featured image via Bob DeChiara/Imagn Images
