Bruins Set to Change Lineup Again Ahead of Game 5

Sturm added that it is necessary to get players into the playoffs, but he cannot expect the players making their playoff debuts to “be the difference already.” That may influence his lineup decision on Tuesday.

“That was one of the reasons, I think, why James [Hagens] came out, that was one of the reasons,” the Bruins head coach said. “It might be one or two guys tomorrow, I don’t know. Yeah, could be. It’s going to be a man’s game, and I’m going to try whoever is willing to go through and who can handle it the best, and I think that’s what we need tomorrow.”

The Bruins will not skate on Tuesday morning. Marco Sturm will meet with the media a few hours before gametime to address lineup changes.

A practice after an “embarrassing” loss will never be a good one. Sturm told the media gathered at Warrior Ice Arena that he sensed the urgency from the guys. He added that there was a conversation after practice where he told the players they are all in the same boat.

“I mean, guys called it, I called it too. Guys were embarrassed yesterday about our performance, especially at home. Today they came in, and they were pissed. You know, we could see it in practice. It was intense, and we need it to be intense because we can’t have it loose.”

Playing loose is what has caused the Bruins trouble, especially in Game 4, where they allowed six straight goals and left their goaltender hung out to dry.

Now, with their backs against the wall, Sturm’s message is clear.

“We have a one-game mission, and that’s just going to be tomorrow. That was the message today. It’s one game. That’s it. That’s how we look at it. They’re going to be ready, but we got to make sure we’re going to be ready right from the start.”

On Sunday evening, Sturm did not talk about the little details because they were not there.

They have been all season. The Bruins won more games than expected and clung to their structure and identity to pull off wins against the league’s best.

If they want to force a Game 6, they have to go back to what brought them this far.

“We got to play together as a unit of five,” Sturm said. “That’s something I can share because we didn’t do it at all. Not at all. There was always a piece missing. Always. And I think that made us so good [in the past]. You know, being very structured and being hard to play against and being connected, that made us [get] to the playoffs, and we got to remember that.”

David Pastrnak echoed that after the game Sunday.

“Yeah, I mean start with defense, you know, and details,” said Pastrnak. “Obviously, we have to play a tight-checking game, win the 1-0 game if you have to. So starting with the d-zone, you know, better in front of our goalie, and he’s been standing on his head. So it starts with defense. That’s our identity on this team, and be hard to play against.”

The Bruins need three wins to advance to Round 2; the focus is one at a time.

Game 5 is on Tuesday night at KeyBank Center in Buffalo at 7:30 PM.

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