He acknowledges there are improvements that need to be made, and quickly, including scoring. But there is plenty of optimism as the Bruins prepare to host Toronto in an Eastern Conference quarterfinal series.

“I’ve liked the physicality in these last three games,’’ Chiarelli said. “I’ve liked the effort, it’s been consistent. We are starting to generate more chances. We are not finishing those chances and we have to improve on that, but we are generating more chances.