Pavel Zacha is heating up, and head coach Marco Sturm is leaning on him as the Boston Bruins push through a tight wild card race.

Zacha has 6 goals in his last 7 games, and it's not empty production. He's attacking inside ice and finishing plays instead of circling away.

Saturday, he struck again. His 25th of the season gave Boston a 2-0 lead and settled the bench early.

This run lines up with a clear usage shift. Sturm is keeping Zacha in the top six and feeding him offensive zone starts.

Boston sits at 88 points, right in the middle of the wild card fight. They need goals beyond the top line, and Zacha is delivering.

He's not just tagging along. Zacha is winning battles, extending possession, and getting to the crease with purpose.

Sturm tightens rotation around Zacha

Sturm's bench decisions stand out. Zacha is getting late-game shifts when protecting a lead, a sign of growing trust.

That matters for a team that has allowed 224 goals. Cleaner details with the puck are non-negotiable right now.

Zacha's line is also helping the breakout. Fewer turnovers, more controlled exits that lead to speed through the neutral zone.

Once set up, he's keeping it simple. Quick releases, traffic at the net, and second chances instead of forcing plays.

It's changing the look of Boston's attack. Less perimeter, more direct pressure on defenders.

The standings add urgency. Detroit and Ottawa both sit at 86 points, right behind Boston.

If Zacha stays hot, Sturm won't need to juggle his lines. Stability could carry this group over the line.

Right now, the Bruins are riding him. And Zacha is giving them a real push at the right moment.