Two wins in a row. What did Sacco do to get two wins in a row?
The biggest difference I've seen in the last two games is the Bruins forwards are staying for the most part in the defensive zone until the puck is out, sometimes all five deep in the zone tops of the circles.
Previously forwards would cheat and be out near center ice looking for a breakout pass.
Now everybody is coming back and working together to get the puck out.
Secondly, on offense they are willing to dump the puck in deep and go get it with a strong forecheck along the boards and behind the net.
Previously, the offense was almost always created off the rush with several passes looking for the open guy or perfect shot often resulting in a one and done scoring attempt if the shot even made it to the net.
The dump and chase is more protective of the puck late in games with the lead as play is along the boards eating time off the clock and slowing the oppents breakout.
A much heavier and deliberately prolonged forecheck throughout the game with less errant passes through the center of the ice.
Third, in the defensive zone, because they have five men back they are taking away the center portion of the ice and trying to force everything to the outside.
This forces the oppents to try and make plays along the perimeter.
Boston is playing smart defensive hockey keeping the puck primarily along the boards when clearing the zone and have two men near each other at the top of the zone.
One near the boards trying to get the puck out and a second man a couple a feet away as secondary support either for a short pass off the boards or an extra body along the boards to help overpower the oppent.
Fourth, the penalty kill is playing more aggressive and more often attacking the puck carrier forcing them to move the puck before they can get set up.
All the PK are moving together with the intention of keeping the puck on the perimeter, taking away the slot, and not allowing them any options other than to move the puck on the outside.
Boston's PP has players moving throughout the zone and is no longer looking exclusively to set Pastrnak up for a one timer.
Again here they are willing to dump and chase rather than always trying to create plays exclusively off the zone entry rush.
They are not looking for the perfect shot but rather looking to put shots on net and out man the oppent on any rebounds and loose pucks.
In most cases taking the shot rather than pasing it off.
Overall, players are better positioned, seem to know, or are learning, their purpose and primary responsibility on the ice. This team still has to do a better job of putting the puck in the net on their opportunities and probably needs to add another offensive threat at some point during the season.
Improvement has been made with only a few practices squeezed in around games against weak opponents. The game against Vancouver will be a good measuring point with the first real test coming December 10th. Until then more practices and games to continue to make adjustments and have everybody fine tune their rolls, purpose, and positioning without thinking about it.
