I’ve already mentioned it a lot before, the Bruins did not have a good February. It was not terrible by any means, but also not very good. The Bruins really did not capitalize on their success in January, so now they are still in the same exact spot they have been in since the start of 2022. But could next month be the difference?
I Guess The Bruins Did Crush Colorado
This past President’s Day, the Avs came to Boston, but really did not seem as though they showed up to play. The Bruins ran the NHL’s best team out of TD Garden in a 5 to 1 victory. This was definitely a little sobering after the Bruins have not really had a dominating game against such a component. As much as I want to praise the Bruins here, I really think this game does not say much.
The Bruins were absolutely clicking, but it really just seemed as though they caught the Avs sleeping. The Avalanche weren’t exposed by Boston by any means. It’s kind of a weird feeling watching a blowout you kinda know is a fluke. I do think Boston can beat the Avs when Colorado is at its best, but I don’t think they can blow them out.
Playing To Their Competion
To continue on that opinion of the Bruins being able to beat Colorado, I think the main reason is the Bruins are one of those teams that always play to their competition. This means they can stick it to the best of the best while they seemly struggle against bottom feeders. The game before the Bruins took on the Avs, Boston struggled to score goals against Ottawa. This resulted in the Bruins having to put the game away in OT, again.
Boston should not be struggling against a team like Ottawa. “Oh, but they were still missing Brad Marchand.” Yes, they were missing Marchand, but when Boston went to Seattle, Marchand returned from his 6-game suspension. And again, Boston struggled to put away a bad team in regulation. This has been a constant theme in February for the Bruins. And this is something that needs to be addressed as the playoffs loom.
Some Hot Hands
A great way to break out of the funk the Bruins had in February is for players to lead by example. And it seems that finally, it’s not just Patrice Bergeron and Brad Marchand leading in this department. Taylor Hall seems to have completely settled into Boston, scoring 22 points in 24 games, but he really has not been the talk of the Bruins.
David Pastrňák was getting a lot of flack for his lack of goal scoring this season, but that narrative has completely changed. Pastrňák has exploded in 2022, scoring 19 goals and 9 assists in 24 games. Considering that is what he is paid to do, it has to be encouraging in the locker room. Once again, when Pastrňák touches the puck, it seems as though it’s in the back of the net. But the hot hands don’t stop at Pastrňák too.
Jake DeBrusk, the same man who requested a trade from the Bruins months ago, has been on fire. He has earned himself a spot next to Marchand and Bergeron on the top line. And he did not waste that opportunity by scoring two goals, including the game-winner, against Seattle Thursday night. Considering the struggles DeBrusk has had these past few seasons, this is amazing to see. I hope this turns into a Vladimir Tarasenko situation, where no trade comes and DeBrusk just continues to fill the score sheet.
Hi, I’m RJ Oakley and I’m the Bruins beat writer here at Belly Up Sports. Check back here and follow me on Twitter for news and discussion on the B’s. Be sure to follow Belly Up Hockey as well for all your NHL needs!
