David Pastrnak got the message from Marco Sturm: Boston are not easing into Round 1 against Buffalo.

Sturm's words landed hard on Friday.

The Bruins coach framed this series as a strength test, saying his group feel bigger, stronger, and more physical heading into the matchup.

That matters because Boston are not walking in as the favorite.

The Sabres finished with 109 points, while the Bruins closed at 100 and slid into this series from the lower spot.

So this isn't about polite playoff talk.

Sturm is trying to set the tone before puck drop, and he's making it clear his bench wants contact, pressure, and a heavy forecheck from the opening shift.

Boston does have the kind of star power that can make that style work.

Pastrnak finished with 100 points in 77 games, giving the Bruins a top-line driver who can punish coverage mistakes fast.

"We're excited. We are bigger, stronger, we are more physical. We just have to be smart. But, we're going to go after them."

And in goal, Boston can push back with real depth.

Jeremy Swayman posted a .907 save percentage, while Brandon Bussi won 31 games and gave the club another steady option in the crease.

Underdog Bruins get fiery message from Marco Sturm before Sabres series

The clip matched the quote. Sturm was leaning forward, jaw tight, and talking like a coach who wants every loose puck turned into a battle on the wall.

That doesn't mean Boston can get reckless.

Sturm added that his team has to be smart, and that line may be the biggest one of all against a Buffalo group that can strike off one bad pinch or one lazy penalty.

The Sabres have their own game-breaker in Tage Thompson, who scored 40 goals and 81 points in 81 games.

If Boston open themselves up chasing hits, Buffalo has enough finish to make them pay.

Buffalo also earned that division edge over 82 games. Lindy Ruff's club won 50 times, which means Boston are trying to disrupt a team that spent the full season building confidence and pace.

Still, Sturm didn't sound interested in sitting back and respecting seeding.

He sounded like a coach betting that a bruising series, played along the boards and below the dots, gives Boston their best path.

That's the warning for Buffalo.

The Bruins are coming in ready to make this ugly, hard, and exhausting, and Sturm just said the quiet part out loud.