The Boston Bruins’ Current Performance
The Boston Bruins are stirring up excitement in the NHL as they find themselves on a five-game winning streak, propelling them to the second position in the Atlantic Division, just behind the Montreal Canadiens. While oddsmakers are emphasizing Montreal’s favorable odds of -277 for playoff eligibility, the Bruins are currently viewed as long shots with +425 odds to secure a postseason berth.
Last Season’s Struggles vs. Current Momentum
Last season was a tough campaign for the Bruins, who ended with a disappointing 33-39-10 record, leaving them near the bottom of the standings. This year, however, their strong start has sparked discussions about whether they can sustain this momentum.
Key Players Making an Impact
Leading the charge for Boston is superstar winger David Pastrnak, who has tallied an impressive 19 points through 17 games, consisting of eight goals and 11 assists. Alongside him, Morgan Geekie has emerged as a key player; after an impressive season last year, he has already scored 11 goals, ranking third in the league, and added four assists.
Another offseason acquisition, Viktor Arvidsson, is also making significant contributions after being traded from Edmonton. He’s on track to achieve near 40 points this season, contributing eight points in total after a struggling previous season. The consistency of center Pavel Zacha should not be overlooked either; he has accumulated 14 points with four goals and ten assists while supporting Arvidsson on the second line. Meanwhile, defenseman Charlie McAvoy stands out with 12 assists in just 16 games, showcasing his offensive prowess.
Concerns and Upcoming Challenges
Despite the positive trends, there are concerns about whether Boston’s success is a sign of genuine competitiveness. Three of those five recent victories were achieved through overtime against teams like the Sabres, Senators, and Islanders, and the win against a depleted Maple Leafs squad raised a few eyebrows. The Bruins did have a standout performance against the Hurricanes, a team favored in the East, where goaltender Jeremy Swayman was impressive, saving 28 out of 29 shots.
The next few weeks will be pivotal as the Bruins prepare to face those same teams they’ve previously beaten, including rematches with Toronto, Ottawa, and a showdown with Montreal before they embark on a challenging road trip through California. The Bruins will need to maintain their performance against improving teams such as the Sharks, Ducks, and Kings.
Looking Ahead
If Boston experiences setbacks but can uphold the solid fundamentals that contributed to their recent success, the narrative surrounding them may continue to evolve. For now, questions linger about the sustainability of their current hot streak.
In related NHL news, Jack Eichel of the Golden Knights is also making headlines as he seeks to enhance his MVP candidacy in the midst of his team’s strong performance.
It’s important to keep in mind that betting odds, including those from BetMGM Sportsbook, are subject to fluctuations and should be approached with caution due to the unpredictable nature of hockey gambling.
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