Bruins Coach Marco Sturm Delivers Key Message to Struggling Defenseman Mason Lohrei
"Keep it simple" — Marco Sturm’s advice for Lohrei as he battles through early-season struggles.
The Boston Bruins are currently facing a rough six-game losing streak, and their defense has been a significant factor in their struggles. Known for being a team built on defensive strength and goaltending, the Bruins have allowed far too many goals, particularly late in games, which has cost them multiple victories. In Thursday’s 7-5 loss to the Anaheim Ducks at TD Garden, a defensive breakdown led to a backbreaking goal just 30 seconds after the Bruins tied the game with two quick goals. Mason Lohrei and Charlie McAvoy were caught out of position, allowing Troy Terry to score uncontested in front of the net.
In response to the defensive issues, head coach Marco Sturm made changes at practice on Friday. Lohrei was paired with Andrew Peeke, while McAvoy teamed up with Michael Callahan. Nikita Zadorov was absent for a maintenance day. After the session, Sturm addressed the struggles of Lohrei, who has shown flashes of potential but has also faced difficulties early in the season.
“Keep it simple. He is what he is. If you’re not a sprinter, you’re not a sprinter… you will not change that. But you can change how you play the game, how you respect the game. It’s a hard league, and he has to understand that he needs to focus on his job without trying to do too much. Simplify things and just play his game. When he tries to do more than he should, that’s when he gets in trouble,”
Lohrei’s defensive play has been inconsistent, with moments where he tries to do too much and ends up out of position. However, when he keeps his game simple, his natural abilities come through, making him far more effective. His first goal of the season, a power-play tally against the Ducks, was a positive sign, but his overall play has yet to meet the high expectations placed on him.
Saturday’s game against the Colorado Avalanche will be a crucial test for Lohrei. It’s a chance for him to implement Sturm’s advice and focus on simplifying his approach to the game. If he can stick to the basics and avoid overextending himself, Lohrei has the potential to contribute significantly to the Bruins' defensive improvement.
With Sturm’s guidance, Lohrei’s ability to focus on his job and simplify his game could be the key to unlocking his full potential and helping the Bruins turn things around defensively.
Canadiens Coach Reacts to Patrik Laine’s Long-Term Injury: “A Huge Blow, But We’ll Adapt”
"Montreal faces tough road ahead as Laine is set to miss 3-4 months after surgery."
The
Head Coach of the Canadiens, Martin St. Louis, reacted to the news with a mixture of frustration and resolve, acknowledging the loss but stressing the importance of adaptation. “Losing Patrik for an extended period of time is a huge blow for us. He’s a key player, and we’ll miss his offensive ability and leadership on the ice. But we’re a team, and we’ll have to adapt. Our focus now is on supporting Patrik through his recovery, and when he’s ready to return, we’ll be here to welcome him back. In the meantime, we need others to step up and help fill the gap,”
This injury comes just as Laine was beginning to find his rhythm with the Canadiens, after a frustrating first season with the team. Last season, he missed significant time due to a preseason knee injury, and while he made a strong return, his performance waned in the latter part of the season and during the playoffs, where he was injured again in their series against
While Laine was able to make it through training camp healthy, the current season has not been kind. He was already struggling with limited ice time, having been relegated to fourth-line minutes after starting on the second line. In just
Laine's Determination to Return
Despite the setback, Laine remains determined to return stronger than ever. “It’s frustrating, of course, but I’m going to do everything I can to get back on the ice as soon as possible. I’ve been through injuries before, and I know the process. I’ll focus on my recovery, and when I’m healthy again, I’ll be ready to contribute to the team’s success. It’s not ideal, but I’m determined to come back stronger,”
The injury not only affects the Canadiens’ lineup but also Laine’s future. With this being a contract year, the long-term absence is expected to impact his value on the open market. Laine currently carries an
Montreal’s Next Steps
For the Canadiens, the focus now shifts to the next man up. With Laine out for months, they’ll need other players to step up in his absence.
Despite the tough situation, St. Louis remains optimistic that the team can overcome this challenge:
As the season continues without one of their top players, the Canadiens will need to adapt quickly to keep their playoff hopes alive. Laine’s absence is significant, but his eventual return could provide the spark needed to push the team toward success.
