There was little question that David Pastrnak becoming captain of the Boston Bruins was a good idea.
But now, there’s one massive seal of approval backing up the decision.
In a recent interview with Marco D’Amico of RG, former Bruins captain and all-time great Patrice Bergeron made it clear that the organization made the right call in slapping the “C” on Pastrnak’s chest.
“I think he’s someone who has a lot of respect because of what he does on the ice and because of who he is,” Bergeron said. “He’s the type of player people listen to when he gets up and speaks, and then he backs it up on the ice.”
In short, it’s the fact that “Pasta” talks the talk and walks the walk that makes him the no-brainer choice to be the team’s official on-ice leader.
But it’s Pastrnak’s off-ice performance that also makes him a clear-cut choice.
That situation prompted Bergeron to express his admiration for the Bruins’ newest captain.
“I’m very happy for him. It’s an honour that he deserves,” Bergeron said. “He’s been in the organization for a long time. He’s grown with the Bruins and with the culture.”
Indeed, the 30-year-old was Boston’s first-round pick in 2014. Since entering the league, he’s played 842 games in the black and gold, scoring 424 goals and 521 assists for 945 points. If he continues his current pace, Pastrnak could reach 1,000 career points at some juncture this season.
Bergeron has always had confidence in Bruins
The Bruins’ start to this season is not something that surprises Bergeron. As he told D’Amico, his confidence in the club has never wavered.
“I’ve always had confidence in them,” he said. “I know they’re a good team. They made good changes and some smaller additions that may have gone a little unnoticed, but that have made a big difference for the team.”
Additions such as JJ Peterka have been crucial to the team. That’s why the strong start to the season is nothing that should stun those who actually watch the team.
“They’ve had a very good start,” Bergeron said. “They’ve played tight games that they found ways to win, and they’ve also won games by bigger margins. They’re finding different ways to win, and they’re getting contributions from different guys.”
Saturday night’s 4-1 win over the LA Kings was a good example. The Kings played a tough game, but just couldn’t hold on. The Bruins rallied to take a 2-1 lead in the third period before burying two empty-netters to seal the win.
That’s the sort of hockey the Bruins have been playing this season. And that’s why it’s no surprise to stars like Bergeron that the team is finding ways to win hockey games.
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