Boston Bruins: 3 Stars of January

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - JANUARY 26: Nick Ritchie #21 of the Boston Bruins, center, celebrates with David Krejci #46, Brad Marchand #63 and Charlie McAvoy after scoring a goal against the Pittsburgh Penguins during the first period at TD Garden on January 26, 2021 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - JANUARY 26: Nick Ritchie #21 of the Boston Bruins, center, celebrates with David Krejci #46, Brad Marchand #63 and Charlie McAvoy after scoring a goal against the Pittsburgh Penguins during the first period at TD Garden on January 26, 2021 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
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UNIONDALE, NEW YORK – JANUARY 18: Trent Frederic #11 of the Boston Bruins skates against the New York Islanders at the Nassau Coliseum on January 18, 2021 in Uniondale, New York. The Islanders shut-out the Bruins 1-0. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
UNIONDALE, NEW YORK – JANUARY 18: Trent Frederic #11 of the Boston Bruins skates against the New York Islanders at the Nassau Coliseum on January 18, 2021 in Uniondale, New York. The Islanders shut-out the Bruins 1-0. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

The Boston Bruins are off to a fast start in the newly minted East Division and through the first eight games, three names have stood out amongst the rest at 5-1-2. A beast of an East Division hasn’t seemed to faze this Bruins team. Most recently sweeping the Philadelphia Flyers and Pittsburgh Penguins in back-to-backs, the Big Bad Bruins look to be approaching wagon status.

The fact that they have done this through their first seven games without their 2020 leading scorer and Rocket Richard winner David Pastrnak has to excite Boston Bruins fans.

There have been a lot of players that have stepped up for this Bruins team from their star players to rookies who are fighting for a spot in this lineup. Let’s take a look at who led the way for the month of January.

Boston Bruins honourable mentions.

Trent Frederic

One of the rookies making a name for himself, Trent Frederic has found a nice spot for himself on the third line. Frederic will probably never be a top-six forward in the NHL, but he has the skill and speed to keep up with big guns. The toughness and grit he brings to the table is also something Boston Bruins fans have to love. This guy exemplifies Bruins hockey.

Nick Ritchie

Undoubtedly the biggest surprise of the Boston Bruins season so far, Nick Ritchie has seven points in eight games and ranks third on the team in points. Ritchie is getting first power play minutes and has found a spot for himself in front of the net.