The Boston Bruins entered the 2025-2026 season with a clear mandate for improvement, particularly in their special teams and secondary scoring. After a disappointing 2024-25 campaign that saw them finish near the bottom of the league in both categories, significant strides were needed to regain competitiveness in the Eastern Conference. So far this season, the Bruins have shown promising signs of progress in these critical areas.
One of the most glaring weaknesses last season was the Bruins' power play. With a dismal 15.2% success rate, they ranked 29th in the NHL, ahead of only a handful of teams. This inefficiency often stalled offensive momentum and contributed to their struggles in the Atlantic Division. This season, however, the Bruins have revitalized their power play, achieving a 25.8% success rate, which places them among the top ten in the league. Key contributors such as Elias Lindholm and David Pastrnak have been instrumental, leading the team with four power-play goals each. The addition of a power play coach, Steve Spott, may also be a factor. Spott has a history of curating successful power plays.
The penalty kill unit has also undergone notable improvements. Last season, the Bruins' penalty kill success rate was a mere 76.3%, ranking 24th in the league. This year, they have elevated that figure to 80.3%, positioning them in the middle of the league. While injuries on the blue line contributed to the poor performance last season, new additions to the lineup, like Sean Kuraly, have injected energy and aggression into the penalty-killing efforts. Although they haven't yet scored a shorthanded goal, the Bruins appear more confident and structured while shorthanded.
Another critical area of focus for the Bruins this season has been to increase secondary scoring. In the 2024-25 season, only four players on the Bruins' roster managed to surpass the 40-point mark, highlighting the team's over-reliance on a few key offensive contributors. This season, the Bruins have seen a more balanced offensive output, with eight players already reaching double-digit point totals. While David Pastrnak continues to lead the charge, the emergence of other players has provided the Bruins with the depth they desperately needed. Morgan Geekie exceeded 50 points last season.
Several factors have contributed to the Bruins' improved performance this season. New head coach Marco Sturm has instilled a renewed sense of structure and accountability, emphasizing a defensive identity and a strong work ethic. The return of key defensemen Charlie McAvoy and Hampus Lindholm from injury has also bolstered the team's defensive capabilities. Additionally, goaltender Jeremy Swayman has demonstrated a return to form, providing stability in net.
General Manager Don Sweeney made several moves in the offseason to improve the team's competitiveness. Additions such as Viktor Arvidsson, Michael Eyssimont, and Tanner Jeannot were brought in to add depth and grit to the lineup. While these players may not be top-line scorers, they provide valuable contributions in other areas of the game and contribute to the team's overall toughness.
Despite the positive strides made in special teams and secondary scoring, challenges remain for the Bruins. The team still needs to find consistent offensive production from players like Pavel Zacha and Casey Mittelstadt. Additionally, the Bruins must continue to develop their younger players and prospects to ensure a sustainable future.
Overall, the Boston Bruins have demonstrated significant improvements in their special teams and secondary scoring this season. While it is still early in the year, these positive trends provide a foundation for optimism as the Bruins strive to return to playoff contention.
