“My players, my staff, everyone was pulling together. That shows me that we are on the right track,” Sturm said. “So far, the guys are eager to learn and get better and get back on track the way we want to play.”
While Sturm has six exhibition games under his belt, Wednesday will mark his first regular-season matchup as an NHL head coach. It is a moment, Sturm admits, he has been waiting for.
“It definitely will be emotional. That’s for sure,” Sturm said. “As soon as you start the game, though, the first five minutes, you’re in game mode, you’re in coaching mode. I don’t see anything around me anymore. I just see my guys. I see guys flying around.”
Lindholm Named Alternate Captain
Hampus Lindholm was officially named the B’s third alternate captain on Wednesday morning ahead of the team’s season opener in Washington. He will join David Pastrnak and Charlie McAvoy.
“It’s an honor, especially for a team with history like this,” Lindholm said following morning skate at Capital One Arena. “It’s obviously very special. I’m excited to get out there and fight with the fellas in here and the team and the city and the fans.
“I think I lead by example, especially how I carry myself on and off the ice. That’s at least how I want to be remembered as a leader. I think me, Chuckie, and Pasta, we’re three different personalities who can help each other in so many different ways.
“I think we’ve got a good mixture there. I’m just gonna be myself and lead the way I’ve been doing it in the past. It’s really exciting.”
Sturm thought the decision was a no-brainer.
"He deserved it," said Sturm. "He stood out to me right away, actually starting with the first conversation I had with him on the phone when I got the job, when I reached out to him. He was very into it, he cares. He wants to get better. He wants to make a difference and he wants to win. I think as a leader he pretty much brings everything."
Lindholm will be back in the lineup for the first time since last November 12 in St. Louis when a blocked shot left him with a fractured patella.
“You get the butterflies, you’re excited. There’s a lot of new in here, too,” said Lindholm. “All the guys are excited. New coaches, some good energy around the guy. Coming in here on the road and get a big road win, hopefully. Lots of excitement overall.”
Wait, There’s More
- Jeremy Swayman will make the start in net for the Bruins. The goaltender is coming off a 30-save preseason performance against the New York Rangers on Saturday. Swayman posted a 3.11 goals against average and a .892 save percentage through 58 games last year. Joonas Korpisalo is also an option for Boston.
- Fraser Minten will center the third line between Tanner Jeannot and Mikey Eyssimont. The 21-year-old forward was a standout in training camp as he earned his NHL spot. Minten, who was traded to Boston in March, skated in six games with the Bruins last season. Minten had seven points (three goals, four assists) in 11 games with Providence in the AHL.
- Charlie McAvoy will join Lindholm back in the lineup for the Bruins after missing the second half of last season due to injury. The defensemen will help bolster Boston’s blueline and leadership. McAvoy is set to be on the first pair with Mason Lohrei, while Lindholm is on the second pair with Andrew Peeke.
