The phrase "bigger, faster, stronger" is used often in a sports context. It typically is not used when its referring to the team you are about to face in an upcoming postseason.
But that's the idea behind recent comments from Marco Sturm. The Boston Bruins coach spoke that his team was the more physical team between them and the Buffalo Sabres. The quote has been discussed often regarding the opening series already.
The question is, did the Sabres dispel that notion in the opening game? The Sabres erased a 2-0 deficit midway through the third period to win 4-3. It clearly has set the tone for the series.
In the opening minutes of the game, the Sabres had the speed and physical play on their side, showing they were ready to battle the hard-hitting Bruins.
In Game 1, the Sabres had 15 more hits (53) than the Bruins (38)
Looking at stats alone, the Sabres had the physical advantage. There were moments by several players when they made strong hits that energized KeyBank Center and their home bench.
The mark of a strong team though is how they perform in the final period. Scoring four goals in the final period and keeping pressure on their opponent, shows the Sabres can stay physical with the best the NHL may have to offer in that regard for 60 minutes.
Coach Sturm's statement may come back to haunt him if the Sabres keep the momentum entering Game 2 and throughout the series. Alex Tuch and Mattias Samuelsson combined for 19 hits on the game. Both scored as well.
With the combination between the two, shows they can stay up proving their strength. This might be important for the overall series.
Loose lips can come back to haunt teams entering the postseason in any sport. The Sabres do not seem be letting it effect them heading into Game 2, though.
What matters is what their play looks like, not what they say off the ice. The Bruins may have the edge, but size sometimes does not set a tempo.
The Sabres demonstrated that in the opening game. They need to keep it going and prove that they can play tough as the series continues; not in just one game but throughout an entire matchup.
One game is only one game. They are one victory closer. But making an individual regret what they said could last longer if they continue to stay strong on the ice.
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