The Boston Bruins have started their 2022-2023 campaign 8-1-0, their best start in their history. This has surprised many people due to the fact that the Bruins were missing forward Brad Marchand, defensemen Charlie McAvoy, and Belmont Hill alum Matt Grzelcyk. Many fans thought the team would struggle after firing Bruce Cassidy (whose Vegas Golden Knights currently have the second-best record in the NHL). However, new coach Jim Montgomery has surpassed expectations and has had a terrific start to his Bruins tenure.
One of the main reasons the Bruins have had such a fast start is the superb goaltending of Linus Ullmark. Although many questioned General Manager Don Sweeney upon his signing of Ullmark to 4 years and $20 million, fans have been pleasantly surprised as Ullmark has posted a perfect 6-0 record with an 1.70 goals against average. Another strength of the squad is the scoring, led by David Pastrnak, who is second in the league with seventeen points in nine games. The Bruins have received secondary scoring from Patrice Bergeron, Jake Debrusk, and David Krejci; all of whom are averaging over a point per game. The presence of David Krejci back in the Bruins lineup after a season back in his home country of the Czech Republic has been pivotal to the team’s success. The Bruins finally have a true second-line center back in their lineup who plays a solid full ice game.
The Bruins have a tough stretch coming up ahead with three games on the road in the next six days against conference rivals. But with Marchand and Grzelcyk now back in the lineup and McAvoy poised to make his season debut, the Bruins are in a prime position to continue their success and remain atop the league standings.
