Many coaches look to Stanley Cup-contending teams for tactical inspiration.
There is certainly value in understanding the most successful practitioners in our sport. However, these teams often have the best players and have played together the longest, so it may not be practical or feasible to copy them.
Consequently, we may have more to gain from studying teams lower in the NHL standings, teams looking to make the most out of a limited roster or that are looking to reinvent themselves under a new head coach.
Early in the 2025-26 season, the Boston Bruins are showing a high level of tactical organization under first-year NHL coach Marco Sturm. BOS will likely end the season out of the playoffs, but for now it is a case study from how structured play without the puck can maximize a limited roster.
Click on the Video Box at the top to understand how BOS plays without the puck.
