Latest news with #PatriceBergeron
Time of India
a day ago
- Sport
- Time of India
Patrice Bergeron cheers on and sends positive vibes to Brad Marchand ahead of Stanley Cup finals
Patrice Bergeron Brad Marchand,Getty Images While the seasons change, the bond between Patrice Bergeron and Brad Marchand remains a constant source of inspiration. The duo were teammates in the Boston Bruins from 2009-2023 and also won the Stanley Cup together in 2011. Fourteen years down the line, Bergeron is hoping Marchand achieves victory with the Florida Panthers. The former NHL star reflects on memories with Bergeron and cheers him on as he advances to the last few games of the season. Patrice Bergeron is supporting Brad Marchand in the Stanley Cup Finals With the Florida Panthers winning Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Finals, Bill Marchand has cemented his position in the league. While many ardent supporters rally behind him, one of them include his former Bruins teammate, Patrice Bergeron. While the latter has retired from the NHL, he continues to cheer on Marchand and closely follow the matches. In a recent interview with the former Boston Bruins star opened up about his support for Marchand. He shared, 'It's kind of weird seeing him in Florida red, not Bruins black-and-gold. Otherwise, he's the same competitive difference-maker I played with for so many years. It's amazing, and I'm loving it." Patrice Bergeron also showered praises on Marchand's skillsets in the sport and shared, 'Am I surprised at how productive he is, how influential he's been in these playoffs? Not in the least. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo Not for a minute. This guy is one of the hardest-working guys you'll ever find. He's so competitive. When people start doubting him, he thrives on that. You're seeing that out of him right now. Tell him he can't do something or that he's slowing down, and it just motivates him. ' Bergeron further added, 'He embraces the whole experience. He loves it." Also Read: Auston Matthews' Maple Leafs target Brad Marchand amid Mitch Marner exit buzz Recalling the time they had spent together, he also shared, 'We'd go for lunch and stuff. His oldest daughter and my daughter are in the same dance class. I miss him, but I'm also a bit envious of him chasing the Cup. It's funny -- people will come up to me and ask if I'm cheering for the Oilers or Panthers. My answer is always the same -- I tell them I'm cheering for 'Marshy.' And I am. I'm his biggest booster right now. I'm cheering for him. I'm trying to send him positive vibes.'
New York Times
2 days ago
- Sport
- New York Times
Marco Sturm and Don Sweeney on what comes next in the Bruins rebuild
BOSTON — Fourteen candidates had interviewed with general manager Don Sweeney for a chance to become the next head coach of the Boston Bruins. Marco Sturm, hired on June 5, bested the other 13 because he made his strengths come through: experience, vision, structure, positivity, player development and communication. Advertisement 'It was a pivotal moment for our franchise and to learn about reshaping our team,' Sweeney said on Tuesday at a news conference introducing Sturm as coach. 'To go through the process of hiring a coach who was committed to reestablishing and renewing our identity. To hiring a coach that was committed to playing with structure. To have an understanding of player development. To value communication and culture within our locker room. To understanding the game has evolved offensively.' For parts of four seasons, Sturm took cross-checks from Zdeno Chara and received passes from Patrice Bergeron. Those moments shaped Sturm into who he has become as a coach. 'It started right at practice,' Sturm recalled Tuesday. 'Little things like that. The way we prepared. The way we competed every day. It doesn't matter whether it's a practice or a game. That, for me, changed the whole thing right away.' It pleases Sturm, then, that David Pastrnak and Charlie McAvoy also practiced and played with Chara and Bergeron. Sturm's initial chats with his alternate captains revealed their shared experience. 'I can tell right away,' Sturm said. 'They learned from Bergeron. They learned from Chara. Because they already have it in them. That really got me excited too. We've just got to guide them again. We've got to reestablish the whole thing. Because these guys are not here anymore. So now, it's going to be up to us and the new group to lead this group to a new era.' Sturm acknowledged, however, the task at hand. His new employer is short on NHL players. Sturm needs a right-shot defenseman and multiple forwards. Whether Sweeney can supply him with such help remains to be seen. 'I love challenges,' Sturm said. So what's next for Sturm and Sweeney? 1. Hire an assistant coach. Jay Leach, Chris Kelly and Bob Essensa are remaining. Sturm wants an assistant with power-play expertise. This was the job Sturm initially had when he was an assistant for Todd McLellan with the Los Angeles Kings. The Bruins need major help. They were at 15.2 percent in 2024-25, No. 29 in the NHL. Advertisement The power play, however, will not all be on a new assistant. Sturm identified hiccups in predictability and connectivity when he reviewed video of the Bruins power play. He will insist, for example, that if he keeps Pastrnak on his strong side and Elias Lindholm in the bumper, the two right-shot forwards improve their reads. 2. Communicate to the players how the 2025-26 Bruins will play. Defensively, Sturm believes in structure. The Ontario Reign, where he coached for the past three seasons, used a hybrid in their end. Once they got the puck, Sturm preferred possession exits, but gave his players the green light to read what was best situationally. 'He stressed playing the right way,' Reign defenseman Joe Hicketts said. 'Sometimes the right way was gaining the zone and getting the puck out. Other times, it was making those small little plays to have zone exits with possession.' Offensively, Sturm likes players with pace. The Bruins were No. 28 last year with 2.71 goals per game. 'We've got to have better entries. Not turn pucks over,' Sturm said. 'That part was a big issue. In the offensive zone, we've got to build that structure in place. We've also got to be more hungry.' 3. Go deeper to learn player personalities. Sturm has an idea of how he'll interact with Pastrnak and McAvoy. They have been around. He is not familiar with prospects such as Matt Poitras and Fraser Minten, who could make varsity breakthroughs in 2025-26. Young players will require more of Sturm's attention. 'You can't treat everyone the same way,' said Sturm, who appreciated the straight-shooting style of Darryl Sutter and Claude Julien. 'So you've got to have a good feel for it — who to poke, who not. That's why I still like the mix in the locker room. The older guys, they still have that Bruins DNA. I love it. But there will be some other guys. I can't just treat those guys like the older guys.' Advertisement 4. Use every mechanism to add players. Sweeney has draft capital, such as the two first-rounders he has in 2026 and 2027. He has approximately $30 million in cap space, although Morgan Geekie and Mason Lohrei, the top two pending restricted free agents, need new deals. The GM has his first three picks in 2026 as the framework of an offer sheet. 'This is about a growth opportunity for the organization as well. Marco is a big part of that moving forward,' Sweeney said. 'So we will reshape.' Sturm will have input. He will then shift his systems to fit the reinforcements Sweeney brings in. 'The overall thing, it's already in place,' Sturm said of his philosophy. 'But now I've got to find out what kind of players I have. I'm going to react. 5. Deepen the prospect pool and improve development. With the counsel of his amateur staff, Sweeney will draft an impactful player at No. 7 on June 27. The two second-rounders will also be critical. The work starts there. Multiple candidates told Sweeney during interviews how they perceived the organization's work on player development. 'Those are eye-opening at times. And it's constructive,' Sweeney said. 'You have to take it to heart and make adjustments. We're not currently playing right now. So you have to accept the failures we have. Coaches were honest in pointing that out. Marco went through some of the things he felt we had done well, the things we'd gotten away from, where the league is at, where the league is headed to. It's all important parts of it. The player development part of it was certainly a big part of those conversations.' (Photo of Marco Sturm: Marcel Kusch / Getty Images)
CBS News
3 days ago
- Sport
- CBS News
Marco Sturm shares his vision for the Boston Bruins after being introduced as new head coach
Marco Sturm understood how special it was to be a member of the Boston Bruins during his five seasons as a player. But being named the new head coach of the Original Six franchise has brought about a whole new rush of feelings for the 46-year-old. Sturm couldn't contain his smile as he was formally introduced as the 30th head coach in Boston Bruins history on Tuesday. It will be his first head-coaching gig in the NHL, and one he was honored to take when Boston general manager Don Sweeney offered him the job. "When I saw Don Sweeney's name on my text, it was pretty special. It got me really excited. Of course, I wanted to be an NHL coach, but this means more," Sturm said at his introduction. Getting to be head coach of the Bruins means more to Sturm because he still sees the identity and culture he was part of when he had a Spoked-B on his sweater from 2005-10. It was a foundation set by players like Patrice Bergeron and Zdeno Chara, and Sturm wants to see it continue in Boston. (Bergeron was in attendance on Tuesday, and Sturm was grateful to have his former teammate and the Bruins legend at his introduction.) However, Sturm admits the Bruins cannot simply remain the same old Bruins and hope to succeed in the present and future. The team's offense needs a revamp, and Boston needs to get a lot better on special teams after ranking at the bottom of the NHL in both power play and penalty kill in 2024. Sturm has enjoyed success as a head coach on the International level with Germany and in the AHL, and is now ready to take his coaching career to the top level. He's not going to do it all on his own, and is looking forward to working with Sweeney, team president Cam Neely, and his coaching staff to get the Bruins back to contention. "They are going to push me hard. We want to lead by example every day," said Sturm. "I'm really looking forward to also pushing the team to the next level. ... It's going to be up to me and my coaching staff, up to my players, up to management, and also up to the fans of the Boston Bruins. Again, I've got such great memories here and I know the fans will -- as soon as they feel something good happening here, they will support you. It kind of goes the other way too, but I don't want to talk about that. I want to look forward. "I know we have a lot of work to do and we won't fix it overnight. But it will start Day 1 of training camp," he added. "Teams win championships, not one coach or one player." Sturm had some head-coaching interviews last year, but remained the head coach of the Ontario Reign, Los Angeles' AHL affiliate. He didn't feel he was ready to take over an NHL team at that point in his career. "There was a reason I took my time and didn't just take the first opportunity. I wanted to be prepared. I always wanted to come back here, but the timing was perfect," he said. "Selfishly, I'm glad the Bruins didn't play well last year because I wouldn't be here." Now he's back in Boston, and Sturm has a clear vision for how he'll lead the Bruins. He says his experience as both a player and coach will help him connect with today's NHL players, whom he is very clear and direct with. He said Claude Julien was one of his favorites coaches to play for because he was honest and direct with players. Sturm also hates to lose, and thinks his players will feed off that emotion. "The messages I'll deliver – could be system wise or anything – will be very clear and no grey area. We're all going to work together and I'm going to push those guys forward," he said. "I hate losing and am very competitive. That is something a lot of people don't know about Marco Sturm. It's not about me; today will be and maybe tomorrow too. But I can't wait to get in the locker room and work with my guys. "I can't wait for Day 1 to see the Bruins fans behind us and pushing us to the next level," he added. Sturm didn't want look too far ahead, and said he likes to take things day by day or game by game. Right now, his focus is on getting to know his players and getting a system and program in place for training camp. But he did share his plan on how he'll fix the Boston offense -- or at least part of that plan. Sturm's plan to fix the Bruins offense While the Bruins will continue to focus on playing good, strong defense, Sturm acknowledged the team has to evolve offensively with the rest of the NHL. Being more productive in the offensive zone and improving on special teams will be major topics he addresses going forward. "There are different ways to approach things. When I talk about we want to score more goals, it's not just in the offensive zone," he said. "Yes, that's where the puck is going to end up, but how are we going to get there? That's a big part too, and there are other areas we can get better. We have to have the puck more and have better entries for example, and not turn the puck over. "We have to put that structure in place, but we also have to be more hungry and have a better mindset," Sturm continued. "It's not just one thing. There are a bunch of things we have to get better at. I want them to have that offensive mindset and mentality when we have the puck. Not just think the game, but play the game fast. It's not going to happen overnight, but that's something I'll address right away." The Bruins offense averaged just 2.71 goals per game in 2024, which was tied for the 28th-worst in the NHL. On special teams, Boston converted on just 15.2 percent of its power plays (ranking 29th) while it killed off penalties at a 76.3 percent clip (24th). So it's very clear what the Bruins brass needs to address this offseason, and Sturm needs to hammer home in camp. Sturm said there will be a lot of team meetings early on to address the changes to the offense. As for those specific changes, he wasn't about to share his complete vision with the rest of the NHL. "I'm going to put a system in place where players will have success," he said. "We're going to make those players better offensively. I'm not going to tell you how we're going to do it today, but hopefully you can see it pretty soon." Challenges of coaching in Boston Sturm is taking over a Bruins team that missed the playoffs for the first time in nearly a decade last season, and one that might be looking at a rebuild for a few seasons. Today's Bruins roster is not the one Sturm will have when training camp opens, so we'll see what Sweeney does this summer to shorten the rebuilding process. Sturm knows there will be pressure to succeed in his first head-coaching job, but that was part of the reason he took the gig. "It doesn't matter if you're in Boston or not, the job is a challenge. But it's a good challenge and I love a challenge," he said. "That goes back to my playing days and didn't change in my coaching days. I want to get challenged every day from my coaches and players, because I know that will make me better. "I know the expectation here and how it is," he added. "As long as I'm putting in my work and preparation, we'll be in good shape." Marco Sturm's coaching staff with Bruins Sweeney revealed Tuesday that assistant coaches Chris Kelly and Jay Leach will remain in Boston on Sturm's staff, as will longtime goalie coach Bob Essensa. That leaves one more spot on his coaching staff, which Sturm and the team is already exploring options to fill. "I'm looking at everything right now. Experience, young, it doesn't matter," said Sturm. "At the end of the day it's got to be the right fit for me and the team. Yes, we want someone who has power play experience. But again, we're in that process of looking right now. "There are a lot of coaches out there and I'm confident we'll find the right one who checks the boxes we need. But it has to be a good fit too," continued Sturm. "I have to be comfortable, the team has to be comfortable. We are going to set the tone and we have to come out very strong and very prepared. The coaching staff, we're going to be together every day so it's a big hire for me."
Yahoo
11-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
2025 NHL mock draft roundup: Which player should Bruins take at No. 7?
2025 NHL mock draft roundup: Which player should Bruins take at No. 7? originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston The Boston Bruins entered Monday's NHL Draft Lottery with the fifth-best chance to win the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft. But luck was not on the Bruins' side. Advertisement In fact, they slid down to the No. 7 pick, which was the worst-case scenario for the Original Six franchise. This outcome makes Bruins general manager Don Sweeney's job a little tougher. Does he keep this pick and bolster one of the league's worst prospect pools, or does it make more sense to look for a potential trade involving an established veteran? If the Bruins do keep the pick, it would be wise to target a center. The Bruins badly need a top-six center. They don't really have one at any level of their organization. Sure, Elias Lindholm has played like a top-six center at times in his career, but he performed more like a No. 3 during his first season in Boston. Advertisement The Bruins still haven't found legitimate replacements for recently retired centers Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci. Having the No. 7 pick in the upcoming draft gives Boston a chance to find that player. Which players should the Bruins target with the No. 7 pick in Round 1? Here's a roundup of predictions (with analysis, if given) from post-draft lottery mock drafts. Sam Cosentino, Sportsnet: Jackson Smith, D, Tri-City Americans (WHL) 'This might be a little aggressive for this spot, but when looking at Boston's pool, they do have a decent set of forwards on the way. That depth in their system is not evident on the blue line, so they take a risk with Smith, who plays a two-way game with great skating ability and the potential to add to his offensive profile.' Fluto Shinzawa, The Athletic: Jake O'Brien, C, Brantford (OHL) 'The Bruins need skill in a big way at every position, but especially at center. The right-shot O'Brien checks multiple boxes as the Bruins rebuild around David Pastrnak and Charlie McAvoy. No. 7 will be the highest selection since 2010, when the Bruins took Tyler Seguin second after Taylor Hall.' 'Martone (6-3, 208) brings a physical, offensive game that's been compared to Ottawa Senators captain Brady Tkachuk and Edmonton Oilers forward Corey Perry. Martone had the maturity to become Brampton's captain as an 18-year-old. His decision-making with the puck, ability to use his body to hold off defenders and high hockey IQ also stand out, and he's worked hard to improve his skating.' Cory Woodroof, For The Win: Roger McQueen, C, Brandon (WHL) 'The Bruins need more offense, and McQueen has a high ceiling. He could technically go higher than this in the top 10, and he could fall altogether. However, Boston takes him here and hopes he can pad the scoresheet for years to come. We know the fans at TD Garden would love to see a guy like McQueen in a Boston uniform.' Julia Stumbaugh, Bleacher Report: Caleb Desnoyers, C, Moncton (QMJHL)
Time of India
09-05-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Quarter-Century glory: These 7 NHL superstars from the 2000s who just cemented their all-time greatness
Images via Getty Hockey fans were treated to a wave of nostalgia this Friday as the NHL unveiled the second wave of its Quarter-Century Team, spotlighting the best skaters who debuted between 2000 and 2010. From record-breaking scorers to playmakers with unmatched vision and two-way dynamos, these seven players not only defined a generation—they shaped the modern NHL. Operation Sindoor PM Modi meets NSA, chiefs of armed forces amid spike in tensions with Pak India's air defence systems shoot down Pak drones in J&K, Punjab & Rajasthan Several airports in India to be closed till May 15 - check list Voted in by fans between February and April, the team represents a celebration of excellence, leadership, and legacy from an unforgettable era of hockey. Let's take a closer look at the legends who earned their place. The greatest NHL players From 2000–2010 who redefined the game The list is stacked with greatness—four No. 1 overall draft picks, a Hockey Hall of Famer, and a staggering collection of hardware: 15 Stanley Cups, seven Hart Trophies, and more than a dozen Rocket Richards. But beyond the stats and accolades, these seven players left a mark on the sport that still resonates today. 1. Patrice Bergeron (Boston Bruins) Patrice Bergeron was the ultimate embodiment of consistency and class. With over 1,000 career points and a record six Selke Trophies, Bergeron was a two-way force for nearly two decades. His leadership earned praise from teammates across generations. 'That's the type of leadership that doesn't happen overnight. It's a gift,' Bruins winger Brad Marchand said of his longtime captain. Bergeron retired in 2023, leaving a legacy as one of Boston's greatest. 2. Sidney Crosby (Pittsburgh Penguins) Sidney Crosby remains a defining face of the NHL. With three Cups and more than 1,600 points, 'Sid the Kid' has averaged over a point per game for 20 straight seasons—more than even Gretzky. 'He earns that respect… through his performance and how hard he competes,' said former Penguins coach Mike Sullivan. Fan-voted as the league's most complete and intelligent player for six straight seasons, Crosby's influence is as strong as ever. 3. Pavel Datsyuk (Detroit Red Wings) Pavel Datsyuk, inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2024, dazzled fans with jaw-dropping skill and defensive brilliance. A three-time Selke and four-time Lady Byng winner, Datsyuk was known for stripping pucks effortlessly. 'It was an unbelievable talent. He was the best at it,' said teammate Patrick Kane . The 'Magic Man' helped Detroit to two Stanley Cups and countless highlight reels. 4. Patrick Kane (Chicago Blackhawks) Patrick Kane helped usher in a golden age for the Blackhawks, winning three Cups and racking up more than 1,300 points. The 2016 Hart winner and Conn Smythe recipient in 2013, Kane is the most decorated U.S.-born player of his era. 'He's a big part of why hockey's so big [in Chicago],' said Red Wings forward J.T. Compher. 5. Evgeni Malkin (Pittsburgh Penguins) Evgeni Malkin was the perfect complement to Crosby—sometimes even outshining him. With over 1,300 points and three Cups, the 2012 Hart winner was an unstoppable force in full stride. 'It's been pretty incredible to be part of the team and play with him,' Crosby reflected. 6. Alex Ovechkin (Washington Capitals) Alex Ovechkin , now the NHL's all-time goals leader with 895, redefined goal-scoring with his signature one-timers and relentless style. 'They say records are made to be broken, but I'm not sure who's going to get more goals than that,' said Wayne Gretzky himself. 7. Steven Stamkos (Tampa Bay Lightning) Steven Stamkos , who signed with Nashville in 2024, leaves behind a legendary Lightning legacy. With two Cups and over 1,100 points, he was a model of loyalty and scoring power. 'Everything speaks for itself,' said teammate Victor Hedman. These seven skaters didn't just play the game—they elevated it. Through highlight-reel moments, unforgettable playoff runs, and unmatched dedication, they defined a generation. Their careers may be winding down—or already complete—but their impact is permanent. As anticipation builds for the next wave of NHL Quarter-Century honorees, this class stands as a tribute to true legends, players who defined greatness. Also Read: Breaking down the 2025 NHL MVP finalists: Hart and Ted Lindsay award predictions
