What a thrilling start to the NHL season for the Boston Bruins! They've stormed out of the gate with three straight wins, and their latest victory over the Buffalo Sabres keeps the momentum rolling. But here's where it gets controversial: Is this just a hot streak, or are the Bruins finally clicking on all cylinders? Stick around to dive into the details of this 3-1 triumph, and see why fans are buzzing—and maybe even debating—if this team is built for a championship run.
The game was a testament to Boston's resilience and skill, but Jeremy Swayman's quest for a shutout hit a snag late in the third period. At the 9:46 mark, Jason Zucker's quick wrist shot from the left face-off circle sliced through the air, deflecting off the stick blade of Bruins defender Andrew Peeke before sneaking past Swayman (who's now 2-0-0 on the season) near the left post. It cut the Bruins' lead to just one goal, adding a tense finish to what had been a dominant performance.
With only 2.2 seconds left on the clock, Sean Kuraly sealed the deal with an empty-net goal, a classic hockey move where the attacking team scores into an unguarded net as the opposing goalie pulls out to try for an extra attacker. For beginners, think of it as the equivalent of a buzzer-beater in basketball—pure excitement and a way to clinch the win.
Despite netting just 10 goals in their first three games, the Bruins have pulled off three wins thanks to a rock-solid defense and top-notch goaltending. They've held the Capitals, Blackhawks, and now the Sabres to a mere five goals combined. Coach Marco Sturm summed it up perfectly: 'A little bit more calm with the puck,' he said, explaining what he'll look for as the team builds full confidence. 'There were times we were just rushing it and throwing the puck somewhere. But they actually try to make plays, starting with our breakouts. I think structure-wise they are patient enough. They know when to go and when not—little things, little details. And it doesn’t always have to come from the big boys. I think everyone is chipping in and excited to get out there.'
It's these small, smart plays that have made the difference, and it's inspiring to see the whole roster contributing. For context, breakouts in hockey are those critical moments when a team transitions from defense to offense—rushing plays can lead to turnovers, but patience pays off.
Jordan Harris, a local hero from Haverhill, made his big Bruins debut, stepping in at left defense for the injured Hampus Lindholm. His impact was immediate and game-changing. Early in the first period, with 15:48 elapsed, Harris executed a smart and aggressive pinch— that's when a defenseman leaves their position to join the attack, risking a turnover but potentially creating scoring chances. He chased a loose puck into open space deep in the Sabres' zone, and with Buffalo's defense stretched thin on the other side, he fed it perfectly to Pavel Zacha, who hammered home a one-timer for a 1-0 lead. Zacha, who hadn't scored yet this season, capitalized on what felt like a power-play setup.
Harris reflected on the play: 'Went down and just tried to keep it and realized no one was on me. Then I saw Pavs pop out, kind of like a power play, and he just wired it. I just tried to put it in a good spot for him and he wired it—great job.' It was a rookie moment that felt like something from a highlight reel, showing how one guy's hustle can ignite the team.
And this is the part most people miss: The Sabres, perennial underdogs who've missed the playoffs since 2011, managed only a handful of shots. They tested Swayman once early at the 2:35 mark via Peyton Krebs, but that was it for the period. Boston, meanwhile, owned a commanding 17-2 shot advantage by the 20-minute mark, with David Pastrnak leading the charge with five shots on goalie Alex Lyon, a former Yale standout.
The Bruins' power play looked promising twice in the first, holding the puck and zipping passes, but they couldn't convert. Confidence in their attack seemed to be building, a far cry from last season's dismal 29th-place ranking on the power play. They went 0-for-4 on the night, but the control they showed hints at better days ahead.
The middle period saw Buffalo waking up a bit, tallying 13 shots, but only one goal slipped through—courtesy of Mark Kastelic. The right winger on the fourth line was a penalty-killing hero early on, using his long reach to knock the puck out of danger and then stealing it back with strong forechecking in the neutral zone (that's the middle area where teams transition). His hustle led to a Bruins power play at 7:39.
Kastelic's goal came at 10:21, just 42 seconds after that power play ended. He wasn't even aiming for a score—just trying to keep the puck in the offensive zone—but his 50-foot shot wove through a tangle of bodies and sticks, beating Lyon for a 2-0 lead. Kastelic joked about it: 'Is that the hockey gods? ... I don’t know,' he said, reflecting on how his penalty-kill efforts didn't immediately pay off. 'When you are playing the right way good things happen. Then you get lucky sometimes, too … maybe you don’t score on the Grade A chance, but as long as you are making things happen, one will go in eventually.'
It's a great reminder for beginners: Hockey isn't just about flashy goals; it's about creating chances and staying persistent. The period wrapped with Boston up 26-15 in shots, firmly in command.
The Bruins had a chance to ice the game earlier with a late power play after Tage Thompson was called for interference at 17:50, but it fizzled when David Pastrnak drew his own interference penalty at 18:46. Pastrnak, despite not scoring, was everywhere—seven shots on net plus six more that missed or were blocked, totaling 13 attempts. Talk about a workhorse!
Next up, the Bruins aim for 4-0-0 when the Tampa Bay Lightning visit for a 1 p.m. matinee on Monday. It's another test against a tough opponent, and fans are eager to see if this early success translates to a deep playoff push.
But here's the controversy that might divide opinions: With such a strong start relying heavily on defense and goaltending rather than offense, some argue the Bruins are playing 'small-ball' hockey—grinding out wins without dazzling us. Others say it's sustainable and shows maturity. Is this the blueprint for success, or do they need to light the lamp more often to avoid burnout? What do you think—will the Bruins keep this up, or is a slump coming? Drop your thoughts in the comments below; I'd love to hear if you agree, disagree, or have a different take on their strategy!
