Boston Bruins: Can David Pastrnak score 50 goals in 50 games?

Here’s something straight from Captain Obvious: David Pastrnak is the best goal-scorer in the league right now. No matter what the opposition does to keep him off the scoresheet, Pastrnak continues to produce.

After another goal Friday afternoon against the New York Rangers, Pastrnak now has 24 goals in the team’s first 26 games. This start begs the question: can Pastrnak score 50 goals in 50 games?

The 50 in 50 milestone is one of the most illustrious ones in hockey. Only five players accomplished this feat: Maurice Richard, Mike Bossy, Wayne Gretzky, Mario Lemieux, and Brett Hull.

Those five players are all Hall of Famers. In fact, they are some of the best scorers ever; they essentially represent the Hall of Fame of the Hall of Fame.

As dignified as that list may be, Pastrnak actually does have a chance to join it.

Why Pastrnak can join the 50 in 50 club

Let’s look at where Pastrnak stands now. It doesn’t take a genius to figure out that to score 50 goals in 50 games, a player needs to average one goal per game. That’s the baseline.

Right now, Pastrnak has 24 goals in 26 games. He’s not quite at the goal-per-game level, but he’s close enough. All he needs is another multi-goal game or two to regain the necessary pace.

Pastrnak already has a couple hat tricks this year (including one last Tuesday against Montreal), and he has plenty of two-goal games. Based on his play, we should expect more multi-goal games.

Another thing to consider is the number of chances Pastrnak generates. He may not score every game, but he has many chances to score. He has 105 shots, which shows that he’s not afraid to put the puck on goal. You can’t score if you don’t shoot, and Pastrnak proves that every game.

This especially comes into play on the power play. Pastrnak’s virtually unstoppable on the man advantage. He has 12 power play goals, which not only leads the league; it’s more than most teams have as a whole!

As long as the Bruins get power play chances, Pastrnak will get great chances to score. He lines up in that same spot for one-timers, and he capitalizes more often than not.

Finally, take a look at Pastrnak’s linemates. Good goal scorers need quality teammates to feed them bucks, and that’s the case with Pastrnak.

Brad Marchand emerged as an elite playmaker this year, so as long as he’s on the left wing, Pastrnak will get chances on the right. Marchand already has 25 assists; expect this to continue.

Pastrnak also has the luxury of Patrice Bergeron or David Krejci down the middle. Bergeron dominates possession to create chances; Krejci has elite vision to feed dangerous passes.

We haven’t seen a player score 50 goals in 50 games in almost three decades. Believe it or not, David Pastrnak has a great chance to join that exclusive club this year.