Bruins' Fifth Straight Win Came With A Strong Message From Marco Sturm originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Boston Bruins are winning hockey games, but Marco Sturm apparently has no intention of allowing success to become an excuse for overlooking mistakes. Boston extended its winning streak to five games Saturday night with a 4-1 victory over the Los Angeles Kings. David Pastrnak scored again, Marat Khusnutdinov delivered the deciding goal in the third period, and Jeremy Swayman made 25 saves as the Bruins improved to 7-2-0.
However, one of the most interesting developments happened before the puck even dropped. Sturm made veteran defenseman Nikita Zadorov a healthy scratch, sending a message about discipline despite Boston entering the game on a four-game winning streak. It was a notable decision involving an established player, particularly with the Bruins already dealing with another significant lineup absence.
And after watching Boston win without him, Sturm has given everyone something to think about.
A Winning Streak Did Not Spare Zadorov
Zadorov's absence was not the result of an injury. Sturm explained before Saturday's game that the decision centered on the defenseman's discipline, something the coaching staff had apparently been discussing for some time.
Putting the 'W' in West Coast. https://t.co/rQ6srkz5Oa
— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) October 18, 2026
The situation followed Friday's 4-2 victory over the Anaheim Ducks, when Zadorov received two penalties on the same shift during the second period. Boston eventually recovered from a two-goal deficit, but Sturm clearly wasn't interested in overlooking the sequence simply because the Bruins won.
The coach praised Zadorov's leadership and competitive nature while explaining that he expects more from the veteran defenseman.
"This is coach's decision, and I do believe there is another level in him," Sturm said.
That is a meaningful statement from a coach whose team has enjoyed an impressive start to the season. Sturm isn't suggesting Zadorov lacks ability. Instead, he appears determined to make sure one of his experienced players is contributing without creating unnecessary problems.
Zadorov had accumulated 29 penalty minutes through eight appearances entering Saturday. His physical approach has always been an important part of his game, but there is a difference between playing aggressively and putting teammates in difficult situations.
Bruins Respond Despite Multiple Lineup Changes
Zadorov wasn't the only regular missing against Los Angeles. Pavel Zacha was unavailable because of an upper-body injury suffered during Friday's victory over Anaheim. Sturm described the center as day-to-day, creating another adjustment for a Boston team playing on consecutive nights.
Jonathan Aspirot entered the defensive lineup in Zadorov's absence, while Sean Kuraly returned up front. Fraser Minten also received an opportunity to move into a larger offensive role as Boston adjusted its forward combinations.
The changes didn't prevent the Bruins from collecting another victory.
Los Angeles scored just 31 seconds into the game, but Boston refused to let the early mistake determine the outcome. Pastrnak tied the score in the second period before Khusnutdinov put the Bruins ahead with 6:24 remaining in regulation.
Elias Lindholm and JJ Peterka added empty-net goals to complete the victory.
Pastrnak's performance also carried historical significance. His goal was the 289th even-strength goal of his career, tying Phil Esposito for third place in Bruins franchise history.
MORE: Bruins vs. Kings Takeaways: Bruins Rally Past Winless Kings
Sturm's Message Could Matter Beyond One Game
Perhaps the biggest takeaway from Saturday wasn't the final score. The Bruins are finding ways to win with different players contributing, and their coach is showing that expectations remain high regardless of the results.
Boston has now swept its three California opponents during a road trip that concludes Tuesday against the Dallas Stars. The Bruins have won five consecutive games and are receiving contributions throughout the lineup, including from younger players who have embraced larger responsibilities.
That makes Sturm's decision involving Zadorov particularly interesting. There is no indication that the healthy scratch represents anything beyond a coaching decision intended to address discipline. However, it demonstrates that even an established veteran can find himself watching when the coaching staff believes improvement is necessary.
The Bruins have plenty to feel good about after another successful night. Sturm just made it clear that winning doesn't mean everything is perfect.