This year’s play-offs have seen what many would view as a dip in form for one of the Boston Bruins big-name threats. Until his recent Game 5 performance, David Pastrnak had seemed somewhat out-of-sorts.
In order for the Boston Bruins to see off the Columbus Blue Jackets, they’ll be hoping his resurgence continues; David Pastrnak, after all, grabbed two of the goals including the game-winner, in that dramatic Game 5 win.
Whilst 11 points across 12 games is by no means poor production, for Boston Bruins fans, they see it as a slight backwards step for the 22-year-old Czech winger. Last year, after all, in the same amount of games he had 9 more points.
It’s not necessarily that he’s played poorly at all, it’s just that David Pastrnak has created high expectations with his previous performances.
In fact, per the NHL Public Relations Twitter post; David Pastrnak holds very elite company with his play-off points production through his first 30 post-season appearances:
In fact, only two other @NHLBruins players have averaged more points per game through their first 30 playoff games than @pastrnak96: Barry Pederson (1.70) and Bobby Orr (1.20). #NHLStats #StanleyCup pic.twitter.com/KRcInG3ubv
— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) May 5, 2019
To be mentioned anywhere in the same sentence as Sidney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin should be seen as a huge achievement for the young Boston Bruins forward.
Likewise, the fact the record is equally as impressive among Boston Bruins players, sitting below just Bobby Orr and Barry Pederson.
Regardless of these statistics though, it’s fair to say that his threat has been relatively successfully nullified for most of the play-offs thus far. He’s found himself shifted off the top line, placed alongside fellow Czech, David Krejci in hopes of chemistry emerging there.
This has been useful for the Boston Bruins in terms of being able to roll some further lines of strength, but has seemingly hit the youngster’s confidence a little.
This was especially clear to see when he found himself reunited with regular line-mates, Brad Marchand and Patrice Bergeron on Saturday night; putting 7 shots on goal and being rewarded with a pair of goals, including the most important one just over a minute from a looming over-time!
The fact that he broke out with 2 goals on Saturday night is fantastic news and you have to say it was coming; as evidenced by his 1 goal, 1 assist night in the controversial Game 4 win.
If the Boston Bruins are to succeed this season, it’s not going to fall squarely on the broad shoulders of this young man, but his form is imperative to ensuring his teams’ successes.
To overcome Columbus on their home ice, the Bruins will be hoping that David Pastrnak brings the renewed confidence he showed in Game 5 and not the slightly diminished form we’ve seen earlier in this series.