It took the Bruins only 37 seconds into Tuesday’s game against the Detroit Red Wings to show how important a quick transition game is to a team’s success. It’s an area Bruce Cassidy has focused on since he took over in February of 2017.
Over a calendar year later, it’s one of the reasons why Boston is a top team in the NHL and closing in on a Stanley Cup playoff berth. The breakouts aren’t always perfect but when the Bruins are consistently transitioning out of their zone and going on the attack, it has led to a potent offense.
During even-strength, five-on-five situations against the Red Wings, the Bruins were a bit inconsistent, but when they were effective it led to goals. That was evident on the first shift of the game.
Defenseman Nick Holden gained possession of the puck and quickly went D-to-D to partner Torey Krug who, with a quick one-up pass hit forward Brad Marchand in the neutral zone. He weaved his way through center ice, gained offensive-zone entry, took the puck deep, curled towards the right boards and dished the puck back to the right point.
Holden, a left-handed shot, took a slap shot that sailed wide, hit the end boards and ricocheted off the half wall on the left side, which allowed Krug to tee up a one-timer for a goal. There are three specific plays that led to that goal.
Holy mustard, @ToreyKrug. Man's got a rocket. #DETvsBOS pic.twitter.com/WdRnW7jYRM
— NHL (@NHL) March 7, 2018