I have done more articles on the Boston Bruins than any other team. It’s not because they are my favourite team, I just love the way they play.

Looking at the first round of the playoffs, Boston only allowed 10 goals against in five games against the Washington Capitals, for a stingy average of two goals-against per game. Let’s take a look at some of key reasons why they have one of the best defensive coverages in the league.

1. 5 on a dime

We often talk about “five on a dime” or “five in the picture.” If we look at Boston, they are not giving time and space to anyone.

On a D-to-D, the wingers quickly react while the centre gaps up on the high forward. Both defencemen are following their man, and they are boxing out. When everyone is on the same page, it is hard to break their defensive zone coverage and create any offence.

2. D release

One thing I have noticed this season and it has continued into the playoffs is the way the Bruins’ defencemen are playing.

It’s a hybrid man-on-man/zone defensive coverage. The defenceman will stay with the puck carrier until the hashmark/dot lane. From there, if the puck carrier keeps skating high, the defenceman will release him and get back to the net while the centreman will take the puck carrier. They are trying to protect the slot first, and they don’t want any defencemen getting caught outside.

This only works when through good communication and understanding of when players are going to “switch.”

3. Blocked shots

With an average of 17 blocked shots per game, Boston tries to be in the shooting lane as much as they can.

They are leading with their stick first and following with their body. Blocking that many shots helps Tuukka Rask a lot by allowing him to stay fresh for longer. When a forward blocks a shot, he will keep skating towards the puck carrier, reducing time and space for the defenceman to make a play or get the shot through.

The defencemen will usually “front” the shot and block the puck before it gets down to Rask, or before an opposing player can get a stick on it.

4. Compete

They are working out there, and I mean, and they are working hard. The Bruins hunt the puck.

They don’t give any time and space for the puck carrier or on any loose puck. On top of that, they will find a way to stay in the battle and to win the battles along the wall. Their compete level allows them to win battles that they may not have had a chance on winning in the first place.

5. Second quick

This refers to how quick your second player is in on a battle or supporting the puck. Having a second player in the battle will give you a better chance at winning more 50/50 pucks.

Boston sends their second player when they know they have a chance to win the battle. Their ability to read and react and communicate with each other is excellent. We can see that sometimes they have a third player close to help as well. I can also argue that it’s not read and react. It’s instinctive.

6. Stick on puck

Playing physical is one of the Bruins’ strengths. But they are effective when they do it.

How hard it is to make a play when you have the puck and someone consistently has their stick right next to yours? Boston is not only going hard into the battles, they are coming with their stick right at the puck and giving you less time and less space to make a play, forcing you to make a play that you did not want to make. By leading with their stick, they take time and space away quicker, but can also force players into “bad ice” and less dangerous positions where it is tougher to create a scoring chance from, which often times leads to a turnover.