Well, after an awkward few days in Boston, it’s time to revert focus back to the ice. And thankfully, the guys playing are not making horrible decisions like those in the front office. While every Bruin so far has had a quick start to the season, there are three who I’d say are going above and beyond right now.
The B’s Keep Rolling
In the long history of the Boston Bruins, the team has not had a start like this. Every single part of the team is clicking right now. The offense has been scoring at will, the defense has been making plays at the right times, and the goaltending has been way above expectations. All of this has led to a record of 11-2-0.
Boston currently leads the NHL in goals for, so every game has had some fireworks. The Bruins are a fun team to watch and are finding ways to win. Their game against the Penguins is a great example. After being down 3-goals, the Bruins still won that game in overtime. It’s still early in the season, but clearly, in the east, Boston is the team to beat.
The Bruins Stepping Up And Leading By Example
There have been three Bruins who I would say have been the early-year MVPs. Those have been David Pastrnak, Hampus Lindholm, and Linus Ullmark. In a year where many hockey fans and pundits almost wrote off Boston due to injuries, these Bruins are making sure that no one is writing them off now. While still early in the season, each of these players is looking like they could be having career years.
David Pastrnak
Of these players, Pastrnak really should not be that big of a surprise given his talent. But his current level of play right now is really only rivaled by Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. And that type of play trickles down, which leads to production across the roster. With this being a contract year for Pasta, he clearly is showing the front office what he means to the Bruins.
When Pastrnak touches the puck this year, there’s a good chance that thing is going in the back of the net. Whether it’s from Pasta’s stick or his teammate’s, Pastrnak finds a way to get points. And for a lot of people, his early play has been changing how they view the Czech-born player. Pastrnak is making it clear he is more than just a shooter, and that is just increasing his value by the day.
Hampus Lindholm
Pasta isn’t the only one changing how people look at him though. Hampus Lindholm was always known as a defensive defenseman, but he’s shattered those expectations this year. In a good way too! On a team that has seen offensive production from everywhere, Lindholm is second on the Bruins in total points. With Charlie McAvoy out, Lindholm has clearly stepped up his game to fill a gap for the Bruins.
That comeback against Pittsburgh that I mentioned earlier was essentially done off the back of Lindholm. The Bruins final 4 goals all involved the Swede, including the OT winner that Lindholm took coast to coast. Lindholm clearly has been far and away Boston’s best defender. And not even a full year into his tenure in Boston, he’s already looking right at home.
Linus Ullmark
Lindholm’s fellow countryman has also been putting up impressive numbers in the net. Linus Ullmark currently sits at a record of 9-1-0. Just an absolutely unheard-of start to the season for Ullmark. Of these three players mentioned, Ullmark easily has been the biggest surprise. Most people were scared for life after Tuukka Rask, but clearly, Ullmark put that to rest.
Ullmark has been a pesky goalie for some of the best goal-scorers in the league. While the Bruins’ offense has given Ullmark sizeable leads to work with, Ullmark has not put those to waste. With Jeremy Swayman potentially out for a good bit, Ullmarks impressive play can help ensure the Bruins will have no issues in the net.
Hi, I’m RJ Oakley, the Bruins beat writer here at Belly Up Sports. Check back here and follow me on Twitter for news and discussion on the Bs. Be sure to follow Belly Up Hockey for all your NHL needs!
