Bruins HC Joe Sacco makes his thoughts crystal clear on decision to make top line change involving $31,500,000 star

By Ankit Kumar

Modified Dec 21, 2024 19:23 GMT

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Boston Bruins interim head coach Joe Sacco discussed moving Charlie Coyle to the top line. In a video shared by the Bruins on X, Sacco talked to the media about Coyle. He explained that he wanted to see how the top players would perform together again.

"I just think it gives us a chance to see how three of our top players can can play together again" Sacco said on Saturday."... I want to see Charlie there, it gives him an opportunity to maybe generate some more offense with those guys too."

Sacco believes that this move will give Coyle a chance to generate more offense. However, it will be interesting to see if he can fill Boston's offensive void alongside David Pastrnak.

Coyle, in his sixth season with the Bruins, is signed to a six-year $31.5 million contract. He has had a solid career, including 25 goals and 35 assists last season. This year, Coyle has seven goals and two assists in 34 games. He has been more productive in Boston's wins, contributing four goals and two assists. However, in its losses, Coyle has struggled with only three goals and zero assists with a plus-minus of -13.

Coyle’s career includes 901 NHL games with 179 goals and 280 assists. Known for his physical play and versatility, he remains an important player for the team.

On Saturday, the Bruins will face the Buffalo Sabres at 7:00 p.m. EST, hoping to bounce back after an overtime loss to the Edmonton Oilers.

Joe Sacco's statement after Bruins 3-2 loss in overtime

Boston lost 3-2 in overtime to Edmonton on Thursday. Bruins coach Joe Sacco talked about the Oilers' surge in the extra period.

“Great start by our team," Sacco said after the game, via NHL.com. "We came out and we were committed to checking, had some good habits and details. In the second period, it swung a little in their favor. I thought the third was fairly even until the end of the game, they started to push hard. It was just unfortunate we couldn’t come away with that extra point tonight. But we battled back on this road trip, it was a good sign for our team.”

Elias Lindholm gave the Bruins a 1-0 lead in the first period before Mark Kastelic made it 2-0. In the second period, Zach Hyman cut the lead to 2-1 with a snap shot that went through Jeremy Swayman’s pads. Connor McDavid tied the game 2-2 at 17:39 in the third.

In overtime, Mattias Ekholm scored the game-winner at 1:04 with a one-timer after a pass from Ryan Nugent-Hopkins.