Not: David Pastrnak
David Pastrnak is one of Boston’s top goal scorers. He scored 38 goals in only 66 games last season. He’s set to hit the 40 goal mark this year if he plays a full season.
Pastrnak, however, has yet to find the net in two games this year. In fact, he hasn’t generated a ton of quality chances.
In the game against Dallas, Pastrnak was surprisingly quiet. He finished with the game without a shot on goal, even with over four minutes in power play time. Pastrnak also was the only Bruin who was a minus player.
Pastrnak was a little better against Arizona. He had three shots on net and generated a few chances. Pastrnak had a great chance on an odd-man rush, but he couldn’t beat Darcy Kuemper five hole.
Pastrnak also took a penalty when Boston was already on the power play. He tried to stop a Michael Grabner breakaway, so he wasn’t totally at fault. Still, his hook negated a great opportunity to extend the lead.
One thing in particular Pastrnak needs to fix is his turnovers. He had a giveaway in each of the two games. Pastrnak must control the puck better in the offensive zone to create offense for his linemates.
Pastrnak certainly wasn’t bad in the games against Dallas and Arizona. But, the Bruins expect and need more production from him.