Bruins Season Recap and Playoff Preview

By Benjamin Hack ’24 Panel Staff

The Boston Bruins finished the regular season with the most wins and points in NHL history. Their record was 65-12-5 with 135 points. David Pastrnak finished with 61 goals and 113 points. Pastrnak had the second most goals only behind Connor McDavid who had 64. Brad Marchand had the second most points with 67 points in 73 games providing constant stability for the Bruins forward core.

On the back end the Bruins were led by defenceman Hampus Lindholm and Charlie McAvoy. Lindholm was a key to the Bruins success this season by leading the way when McAvoy was hurt early in the season. Lindholm led defenseman in points with 53 which is his career high, as well as leading the league in the +/- category with a +49. Even though McAvoy missed 15 games, he still had a tre - mendous season both offensively and defensively by collecting 52 points.

One breakout player for the Bruins was forward Pavel Zacha. Zacha was acquired back in the summer for Erik Haula. At the time many people questioned the move, but Zacha proved the haters wrong by putting up 57 points, a career high, while playing with fellow Czech teammates David Krecji and David Pastrnak.

At the trade deadline, GM Don Sweeney was very busy by making two fantastic trades to boost the depth of the Bruins by trading for Garnett Hathaway, Dmitry Orlov, and Tyler Bertuzzi. Hathaway was a good depth addition for the 4th line, adding a dynamic physical game with getting a few gritty goals in the process. Orlov boosted the Bruins defense and was a dynamic two way player for them, posting 17 points in 23 games with a +10. Bertuzzi was great for the second and third line by putting up 16 points in 21 games.

Another key player for the Bruins was goaltender Linus Ullmark. The future Veznia winner secured the triple crown for goalies by having the most wins (40), a .938 save percentage, and 1.89 goals against average. Without Ullmark the Bruins would definitely not be where they would be. When the Bruins hired Jim Montgomery in the offseason many fans questioned the move and would rather have former coach Bruce Cassidy at the helm.

However, Montgomery proved the doubters wrong and, with his presence and coaching tactics, led the Bruins to the best regular season of all time.

So far the Bruins are leading the Florida Panthers 3-1 in their best of 7 series. If the Bruins win Wednesday night, they will face the winner of the Maple Leafs Lightning series where Toronto is currently leading 3-1.☐