Marco Sturm Explains Bruins' Decision to Bench Young Players Late vs. Stars originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Boston Bruins head coach Marco Sturm had a specific reason for keeping several of his young players off the ice during the final minutes of Tuesday's game against the Dallas Stars.
During media availability Thursday, Scott McLaughlin asked Sturm about his decision to keep James Hagens, Matt Poitras and other young Bruins forwards off the ice late in regulation against Dallas. Sturm said he had read McLaughlin’s article about the decision and explained that the atmosphere in Dallas and the momentum shift after the Stars tied the game influenced his thinking.
I asked Sturm about this today (not using a few of the kids in the final 5-ish minutes in Dallas). Turns out he read the article. Thought his explanation was insightful, so here it is in full. Cited the environment in Dallas and the way he felt the game turn after they tied it. https://t.co/1OdrxZntHT
— Scott McLaughlin (@smclaughlin9) October 22, 2026
"I want to help them to grow in getting into those situations, and our situations, I'm going to put them out there," Sturm told reporters Thursday. "But if you're in Dallas, and if you've ever been in Dallas, it's one of the toughest buildings."
The Bruins held a lead before Dallas scored to tie the game, changing the feel of the contest in the closing minutes. Sturm said he sensed the shift and wanted to protect his younger players from being thrown into a difficult situation.
"When they scored, there was a big change," Sturm said. "We were on our heels, and sometimes I have to protect my players and my young kids. It's tough. It's tough to put them out there."
Sturm acknowledged that he will give his younger players opportunities in similar situations.
"There will be games I will put them out there, but that was 100% not the right time to do it," Sturm said.
The coach's explanation underscored the balance he faces between developing Boston's younger players and making decisions that give the team the best chance to secure points. While Sturm wants his young forwards to gain experience in high-pressure moments, he believes those opportunities must come at the right time.
"Every day, a game is different, every building, every team," Sturm said.