Boston Bruins: No goals, but Charlie McAvoy makes impact on defense

Charlie McAvoy is the only player without a goal, but he still makes an impact defensively for the Boston Bruins.

The Boston Bruins remain at the top of the Atlantic Division, and a strong defense is a big reason why. Only four teams gave up more goals than the Bruins this year. Guys like Charlie McAvoy continue to lead the way defensively for Boston.

However, ask fans about Charlie McAvoy this season, and they’ll all tell you the same thing: he has 0 goals!

While McAvoy’s lack of offensive production is concerning, it doesn’t define his season at this point. Even without any goals, McAvoy still finds ways to impact games.

McAvoy leads the Bruins in average time on ice

What stands out with McAvoy is how much he plays every game. In his first 35 games, he averages 22:54 in time on ice.

No Bruin averages more ice time than McAvoy. In fact, Zdeno Chara, who is second on the team, averages over a minute and a half less.

Look at McAvoy’s ice time in the past three games: 27:54, 25:07, 26:17. That’s quite impressive for someone who only turns 22 in a couple days.

McAvoy pretty much plays in every situation. He’s out there at even strength, and he’s on the second power play and penalty kill units. Coach Bruce Cassidy also calls on McAvoy in overtime situations.  The best ability is availability, and that’s the case with McAvoy.

With all that ice time, McAvoy fills up the stat sheet game after game. So far, he has 70 blocks, 79 hits, and 23 takeaways to lead all Bruins players. If he keeps up this pace, he’ll hit career highs for all those stats.

McAvoy provides a physical edge for the Bruins

Nobody really considers McAvoy a physical force on the ice, but he definitely added that element to his game this year. Like we mentioned before, he has 79 hits in 39 games; his career high is 133.

It seems like every game McAvoy makes his presence felt to opposing forwards. He has more hits than anybody else on the team.

In Thursday’s game against the Islanders, McAvoy had a big hit on Casey Cizikas. This was after he and Cizikas had a brief altercation in front of Boston’s net.

These types of hits can set the tone early, and they often change the course of a game like a big save or a great scoring change. McAvoy may not be a bruiser, but he still makes an impact with some strong hits.

Let’s face it: the Bruins need McAvoy to find the back of the net at some point this season. He’s too talented to finish with no goals. However, in the meantime, it’s great that he makes an impact on the defensive end.

Once McAvoy finds his offense, he’ll without-a-doubt be Boston’s best all-around defenseman. Not only that; he might turn into one of the best in the NHL.