Gator Mike
Registered User
Good stuff from Fluto this morning.
Why the Bruins' defense has improved without Zdeno Chara
To this point, this is what the Bruins were hoping would happen. It's tougher for them to deal with big net mouth presences, but they're making it more difficult for opponents to enter the zone and maintain possession. Opposing attackers have less time and space to make plays, and the Bruins are starting to become really efficient at getting the puck out of their own zone.
If things were headed south, we'd certainly be hearing about it by now. So, I think it's fair to point out that the early returns on the defensive makeover are really encouraging.
Why the Bruins' defense has improved without Zdeno Chara
Both defensemen, like all other Black and Gold pairs, have the green light this season to pursue dangermen below the goal line. It then becomes the centers’ job to occupy the front of the net.
“Before, we were a little reticent to send that second guy down,” coach Bruce Cassidy said. “He liked to play in front of the net. Some of that is Z being in the league a long time. He’s got a long stick. So he’s more effective there clearing guys out. Torey (Krug) was a little bit of the same. That was the way they had played for years. So we’ve made an adjustment there where we’re OK if Lauzon and McAvoy both want to close. They’re young guys. They’ve got lots of energy. They’re long. They’re willing to be physical.”
Per Natural Stat Trick, the Bruins have the following per-60 rates:
In comparison, this is how the Bruins performed in the same categories in 2019-20:
- 44.21 attempts allowed (lowest in the league)
- 21.54 shots allowed (second-lowest)
- 1.63 expected goals allowed (second-lowest)
“If we play like that every night,” said Bruins forward Brad Marchand, “we’re going to win a lot more games than we lose. We had a good game.”
- 53.14 CA/60 (ninth-lowest)
- 26.68 SA/60 (third-lowest)
- 1.98 xGA/60 (second-lowest)
To this point, this is what the Bruins were hoping would happen. It's tougher for them to deal with big net mouth presences, but they're making it more difficult for opponents to enter the zone and maintain possession. Opposing attackers have less time and space to make plays, and the Bruins are starting to become really efficient at getting the puck out of their own zone.
If things were headed south, we'd certainly be hearing about it by now. So, I think it's fair to point out that the early returns on the defensive makeover are really encouraging.
