For the majority of the Bruins’ first half, one of the biggest storylines was Charlie McAvoy’s lack of offense. Through the Bruins’ first four months of the season, McAvoy failed to find the back of the net. Despite his struggles to score, the former first-round pick was still one of the Bruins’ best defensemen. Over the past two months, however, McAvoy has rediscovered his offense touch and has been a catalyst for a surging Bruins offense.
Through 58 games this season, McAvoy has three goals and 21 assists. While the Boston University product had 28 points in 54 games last year, he has been hard to stop since the start of the New Year. In the Bruins’ last six games, the Boston University product has six points, including a goal in each of his last two games.
Charlie McAvoy is heating up! 👀#NHLBruins– 1#LGRW– 1 pic.twitter.com/rao13Mdy44
— Boston Bruins on CLNS (@BruinsCLNS) February 15, 2020
Additionally, over the past two months, McAvoy has 11 points, good for nearly half of his total so far this season. He has been more aggressive offensively in that span and has landed 88 shots on net this season, which is a career-high. While McAvoy has excelled offensively, he has been just as good at the other end.
So far this season, McAvoy has landed a career-high 118 hits and blocked 115 shots. He is averaging a career-best ice time of 23:09 and has only missed three games so far this season. On a team that has been plagued by injuries, his ability to stay in the lineup has been a welcoming sign.
Great defensive play by Charlie McAvoy and then he ALMOST finishes at the other end pic.twitter.com/6g0buEk6H0
— Evan Marinofsky (@EvanMarinofsky) February 16, 2020
Before the start of the 2019-2020 campaign, the Bruins showed their confidence in McAvoy when the two sides agreed on a three-year extension. So far, the Long Beach native has rewarded the Bruins with two months still left in the regular season. His biggest test will come in the postseason where McAvoy has shined throughout his career.
As the Bruins look to secure the top spot in the Eastern Conference, they will need McAvoy to continue his stellar play. He is only four assists shy of tying his career-high and has already matched his total from last season.
While the regular season is far from over, the Bruins are a lock to end up with one of the top spots in the Eastern Conference. After struggling before the All-Star break, they have been one of the league’s best teams as they have only lost one game this month. A big reason for that is the play of their young franchise defenseman.
