Sturm Guiding Bruins' Resurgence Through Straightforward Approach

First-year coach's honesty, game strategy has Boston eyeing return to Stanley Cup Playoffs

Mar. 13, 2026 at 4:00am

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In his first season as an NHL head coach, Marco Sturm has helped guide the Boston Bruins to a strong start and a potential return to the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Sturm's straightforward approach, including open communication with players like Charlie McAvoy, has resonated with the team and allowed them to bounce back from a disappointing 2024-25 season.

Why it matters

The Bruins' turnaround under Sturm's leadership is notable, as the team faced low expectations and a roster with many unproven names after missing the playoffs last season. Sturm's ability to quickly establish structure, discipline, and buy-in from the players has been crucial to the team's success.

The details

Sturm, who previously coached Germany's national team and served as an assistant in the NHL, has implemented a more patient, defensive-minded system with the Bruins. This has contrasted with the "run-and-gun" style that some players, like McAvoy, had played earlier in their careers. Sturm has worked closely with players to ensure they understand his vision and their roles, even having direct conversations to get everyone on the same page.

  • The Bruins started winning and clicking after Sturm's early-season conversation with McAvoy.
  • Sturm was hired as the Bruins' head coach in June 2025, taking over a team that missed the playoffs the previous season.

The players

Marco Sturm

The first-year head coach of the Boston Bruins, who previously coached Germany's national team and served as an assistant in the NHL.

Charlie McAvoy

A star defenseman for the Boston Bruins, who has played under four different coaches in his nine NHL seasons.

Don Sweeney

The general manager of the Boston Bruins, who hired Sturm as the team's head coach.

Morgan Geekie

A forward for the Boston Bruins who has praised Sturm's straightforward approach.

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What they’re saying

“Even his messaging was super respectful. It was kind of like, 'Hey, I need you to be this for us, for the group, and we're going to do it together.' It was really nice, and then I feel like that was a little turning point.”

— Charlie McAvoy, Bruins defenseman (NHL.com)

“I'm happy where we're at right now at this point. Forget about points, just the way we play and present ourselves every night. Good structure and I think good discipline. The guys are buying in, and guys know now at this point what it takes to win.”

— Marco Sturm, Bruins head coach (NHL.com)

“I think we forget it's his first year coaching in the NHL. He does a great job coming in with the confidence that he has. It makes things pretty black and white, and we understand pretty quickly what he's trying to get across.”

— Morgan Geekie, Bruins forward (NHL.com)

What’s next

The Bruins will continue their push for a playoff spot when they take on the Washington Capitals on Saturday.

The takeaway

Sturm's straightforward approach and ability to quickly establish structure and buy-in from the Bruins players has been a key factor in the team's resurgence this season, putting them in position to return to the Stanley Cup Playoffs after missing out last year.