David Pastrnak is one of the NHL’s prolific goal scorers and carried the Boston Bruins for the last couple of months by factoring in on the majority of Bruins’ goals. After another 100-point season, the high-scoring winger will be called up to provide even more production this season as the Bruins continue a rebuild. The forward group is thin, and Pastrnak is by far the biggest threat. The only concern might be Pastrnak’s overall health, which has included knee tendinitis stemming from last season.
Pastrnak missed the first couple of days of training camp and did not play in the team’s 5-2 loss to the Washington Capitals in the preseason opener on Sunday. Bruins Head Coach told the media that knee tendinitis was delaying the Czech forward’s start to the preseason, something that Pastrnak confirmed on Monday. Last season, the right wing scored 43 goals and contributed 63 assists as Boston missed the playoffs for the first time since 2016. Pastrnak has tallied 63 helpers in consecutive seasons and has added playmaker to his resume, which helped linemate Morgan Geekie score a career-high 33 goals.
This season, even more responsibility will be given to Pastrnak as the Bruins search for more secondary scoring. The top line should be fine, but the rest of the forward group is loaded with question marks. One thing is for certain, however. Pastrnak has to stay healthy. Even with nagging injuries and the tendinitis, Pastrnak has played back-to-back 82 game seasons. The wear and tear might be taking its toll and it is possible that scheduled days off are in his future. As long as David Pastrnak can play every game and be the elite player that he is, the Bruins have a fighting chance. If not, then the draft lottery could be the destination for Boston once again.
