Boston Bruins: David Pastrnak dazzles as Boston eliminates Washington

As the Boston Bruins eliminated the Washington Capitals on Sunday night, David Pastrnak was a key piece. The B’s winger had two points and continued to spark the offense. As the Bruins’ focus will shift to the winner of the Islanders and Penguins series, Pastrnak has regained his scoring touch at the perfect time.

Over Boston’s last three games, Pastrnak has scored two goals and recorded four assists. The 26-year-old leads the Bruins in playoff points with six and is tied for second in goals. In the Bruins’ last two wins, he has scored the first goal in each game. During that stretch, he has looked more confident on the ice.

Although Pastrnak had a solid regular season, it was not up to his usual standards. After averaging more than a point per game the previous two seasons, he had 48 points in 48 games. His shooting percentage was also down seven percent compared to last year. In the playoffs, however, he has stepped up and dazzled on Sunday night.

In the second period, Pastrnak took the puck to the net, where he toe-dragged Nick Dowd and froze Nick Jensen. He was then able to slip the puck around Ilya Samsonov’s leg pad as the Capitals defenders looked at each other in bewilderment. His speed and creativity were on full display as he gave Boston the early momentum.

Following his performance Sunday night, Pastrnak now has multiple points in his last two games. In that span, he has also landed 10 shots on the net and 29 in the first round of the playoffs. Which each game he has been more aggressive and is making a noticeable impact.

With the Bruins’ first series in the books, Pastrnak leads the team in shot attempts and shots on the net. In the second round, he will be looking to continue his success as the B’s top line has caught fire. Over the Bruins’ last three games, the trio of Marchand, Bergeron, and Pastrnak has scored six goals.

While the B’s got scoring from every line, Pastrnak’s play gave the Bruins a major boost. As he was held to two points in the first three games of the series, Boston outscored Washington 9-8. It was not nearly as close in Games 4 and 5, with Boston outscoring Washington 7-2. When Pastrnak found his game, the Capitals had no answer for the Bruins’ offense.

With a win on Sunday night, the Bruins advanced to the second round of the Stanley Cup playoffs for the fourth consecutive season. With Pastrnak playing at his highest level, it could be a deep playoff run for this Bruins team.