In a season where the Bruins have seemingly dealt with adversity at every turn, yet they are second in the Eastern Conference.
Their recent rise in the standings has been fueled by their seven-game win streak, which ended Saturday. What is even more impressive is that this team has earned at least a point in fourteen straight games. Their success has been due to secondary scoring which had been severely lacking earlier in the season. Without their top goal scorer, this team has excelled when many thought they would struggle.
Over the last few games, the Bruins have gotten contributions from everyone. Danton Heinen and Jake DeBrusk have broken out of their sophomore slumps. The defensive has been more involved offensively especially Charlie McAvoy. These three have carried the Bruins after struggling early on.
Without Pastrnak, the Bruins have placed Heinen on the top line. The sophomore winger has taken advantage of the opportunity and recorded nine points in the Bruins last 10 games. Being on the top line has given him more scoring opportunities and allowed Heinen to regain his confidence. While the Bruins top line is not as dominant without Pastrnak, Heinen has been better than expected.
Additionally, Jake DeBrusk has raised his game to another level of late. In February, the former first-round pick has five goals and six assists. He has been dominant offensively as he has recorded multi-point games in three of his last six games. While David Krejci has been exceptional all season, DeBrusk’s emergence has made the Bruins second line a serious threat. Over the Bruins last six games, the second line has factored into 10 goals.
While the play of DeBrusk and Heinen, is key the Bruins are getting contributions from everyone. Charlie Mcavoy is looking better every game and after recording one point in January he has six this month. Brando Carlo has even been more involved and he has two points in the Bruins last five games. The depth has been on full display as Chris Wagner has a new found talent for scoring game-tying goals.
Another impressive aspect of the win streak was how every night this team found a different way to win. On Thursday night, it was David Backes in the sixth round of the shootout with the game winner. Two days after this team had beaten San Jose in overtime after being down in the third period. How far this team goes, however, remains to be seen.
Their recent stretch has emphasized the fact that when this team on they can be dangerous. The newly acquired Charlie Coyle fit right in Saturday with an impressive goal to extend the shootout. Although the Bruins win streak came to an end against St. Louis, it was one of their most impressive road trips in recent memory. They showed grit and perseverance as this club nearly had it’s first perfect five-game road trip since the 2011 season. With Coyle on board and Pastrnak due back within the next few weeks, this team could be dangerous come playoff time.
