The Boston Bruins are giving their fans plenty of reasons for optimism as the NHL season moves into its second month. With an impressive 13-4-1 record through 18 games, Boston sits atop the Atlantic Division with 27 points, riding a four-game winning streak and showing signs of becoming one of the league’s more complete teams.
Under head coach Marco Sturm, the Bruins have found success through balanced scoring, strong goaltending and contributions throughout the lineup. Their latest statement came Sunday afternoon at TD Garden, where Boston defeated the Florida Panthers 4-1. Jeremy Swayman turned aside 40 shots as the Bruins improved their home record to 8-1-0.
“I think the biggest thing is, they do their job and I do mine,” said Swayman, whose 40 saves were a season high. “I just focus on one shot at a time, what comes my way whenever it comes and try to get in front of it.’’
“It was very important,’’ Sturm said of the victory. “It’s a big week for us, and we were starting out in our division against a really good opponent. We’re very happy with the result, and in the way that we played.’’
While David Pastrnak continues to lead the offensive charge, Boston’s success has been about much more than its star forward. Pastrnak has collected 24 points through 18 games, including eight goals, while Elias Lindholm has contributed 15 points. Pavel Zacha, Morgan Geekie and JJ Peterka have each added 14.
The emergence of younger players has also been encouraging. Fraser Minten and James Hagens have six goals apiece, offering a glimpse of the organization’s developing offensive depth. Hagens’ recent placement on injured reserve presents a challenge, but the Bruins have demonstrated an ability to receive contributions from different parts of their lineup.
In goal, Swayman has provided the stability Boston needs. His 9-3-1 record, .920 save percentage and 2.21 goals-against average have helped establish a foundation for the team’s early success. Michael DiPietro has also impressed, recording four victories in five appearances while giving Sturm a dependable second option.
Perhaps most encouraging is Boston’s ability to win games in different ways. Whether relying on timely goals, offensive production throughout the lineup or outstanding goaltending, the Bruins have shown they can adapt. Still, November is hardly the time to declare anything concrete. There’s plenty of hockey left to play. For Boston, the challenge now becomes maintaining the consistency that has defined much of its opening month.
With 18 games completed, the Bruins have established themselves as a team worth watching. The question moving forward is no longer whether Boston can put together a strong start. It’s whether this impressive opening act is a preview of something much bigger.
The Lookahead
The Bruins return to the ice Thursday when they host the Montreal Canadiens on what should be a great night on Causeway St. Montreal are right on the Bruins heels for tops in the Atlantic division. Boston will also be debuting their new varsity sweaters that night. The homestand continues Saturday as the Bruins welcome Minnesota while the LA Kings arrive in Boston the following Tuesday.
G-Rant @TheRealG_Rant/Grant Cumming. Bruins fan. Bigger dreams, bigger screens, bigger feelings are planned.
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