Bruins’ Marco Sturm Claims He ‘Knew’ Alex Steeves Would Make An Impact

The Boston Bruins are off to a surprising start this season as the team has relied on some unsung heroes.

One player who has been a major surprise is Alex Steeves, who Boston signed to a one-year deal this offseason. Steeves made his Bruins’ debut on Nov. 8, and in 13 games, he has recorded six goals and two assists for eight points.

In Boston’s 5-2 win over the St. Louis Blues on Thursday, Steeves scored again as he now has five goals in his last five games. After another solid performance, Bruins head coach Marco Sturm praised the forward and said he always had confidence in him.

“He worked his way in; he separated himself,” Sturm said on Thursday, as seen on NESN’s postgame coverage. “He plays hard, he plays the right way, and I think he feels really good about his game overall. He also finds the back of the net. …

“I have to tell you, a lot of guys say it. But, to Steeves’ credit, a lot of guys don’t do it. The way he said it, I believed him. And I knew his time would come.

Sturm said Steeves can play on any line, which has made him such a weapon for the Bruins. The forward has been playing on the top line with Elias Lindholm and Morgan Geekie, but once David Pastrnak returns, he will be demoted.

Yet, Sturm knows Steeves will remain in the lineup and continue to make an impact for Boston.

Steeves, meanwhile, said he’s enjoying his time and is happy he’s making an impact for the Bruins.

​”It’s been fun,” Steeves said. “It is nice playing with world-class players up and down the lineup. To be honest, it is a little bit of learning but also just trusting my abilities and having the confidence to get to the right areas.

“Goal scoring is part of my identity; I love it. You can probably see with my celebrations and stuff – it’s a big release for me, and it’s been really fun. But credit goes to linemates, coaching staff for putting me in really good positions.”

With the win, Boston improved to 16-13-0 and is in second place in the Atlantic Division.