Boston Bruins: David Pastrnak is a monster for other teams
Last night, Boston Bruins David Pastrnak recorded his first hat trick of the season, and fourth in the calendar year. He’s become a nightmare for opposing teams.
David Pastrnak of the Boston Bruins has the most goals in the NHL (15), with three more than the next guy, Patrick Kane. He currently has five goals in his last five games, including a recent hattrick against their divisional rivals, the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Ever since head coach Bruce Cassidy put Brad Marchand and Patrice Bergeron on his line, they have dominated everybody and are arguably the best line in hockey. Their chemistry is very obvious and that combined with their overflowing talent makes for some incredible goals.
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However, their team does more than just score. When you have a four-time Selke Trophy-winning center leading your line, his style of play will rub off on you. Bergeron is a leader on the team and his consistent work ethic and determination on the puck inspires the everyone. It has really rubbed off on Pastrnak, which has added another layer onto his game.
“When I play with Bergy – he won a Selke, he’s a great defensive player and so I say it’s easy for me to learn. I’ve been playing with him for a while, so I’m so much more comfortable there and just making the right play and don’t look back.”
His defensive responsibility allows him to cleanly exit the defensive zone to start an offensive breakout. To start a successful breakout, you must properly stifle the other team defensively so that you can leave without the risk of a turnover and Pastrnak does this very well, along with the rest of his line.
As of Monday, he has played 16 games and has 21 points (15 goals and six assists). He accounts for 31 percent of the Bruins’ goals. To put that in perspective, Connor McDavid, who won the Art Ross last season, accounted for 18 percent of the Edmonton Oilers’ goals. Obviously, Pastrnak’s percentage will regress, but his impact on the Bruins’ offense is massive.
His strength on the puck, his skill, and his speed allows him to cycle hard, but also capitalize on breakaway chances. Pastrnak can score all kinds of goals, from dirty ones in front of the net, to blasting one-timers, to beautiful dekes around goaltenders. His skill on the ice is unquestionable and having two superstar players on his line just elevates his game to a whole other level.
Pastrnak doesn’t just get it done during the regular season, he is an absolute monster in the postseason. Last year, the Bruins played two rounds (12 games each) and Pastrnak had 20 points (6 goals and 14 assists). In game 2 against the Leafs, he had six points, including a hattrick, beating Wayne Gretzky to be the youngest player to record six in a playoff game. (21 years old) Whatever the situation is, Pastrnak can be counted on to get it done.
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80 points last season and he’s on pace for 50 goals this season. He’s experiencing all sorts of success with the Bruins, all with a smile and infectious positive attitude. All this at 22 years old and making 6.67 million dollars. Do you think William Nylander is taking notes?