The Bruins’ amazing, record-breaking season by the numbers
The Boston Bruins then entered the Stanley Cup Playoffs the most successful regular season in NHL history. They set a season record for wins and destroyed the 1976-77 season Montreal Canadiens‘Mark of 132 points.
“When I think about how great those teams were and how we surpassed that total, it’s meaningful. Because those were dominant hockey teams,” said Boston coach Jim Montgomery.
“Dominant” may not do justice to the Bruins’ performance this season. They overtook their opponents in the overall standings without a losing streak. They’ve won at home, on the street, east and west. Backed by the best goaltenders in the league, they were clearly the best defensive team in the NHL. Led by a top scorer with 60 goals David Pastrnak and unparalleled depth, they were also nearly the best offensive team in the NHL.
These data visualizations illustrate how the Bruins rolled over the NHL this season on their way into history.
Boston vs All
It’s a distant memory now, but the Bruins should struggle early in the season. Getting used to a new coach. Missing injured stars Brad Marchand And Charlie McAvoy. But instead of stumbling out of the gate, Boston sprinted to a 20-3-0 start and set an NHL record by winning its first 14 home games.
The Bruins have only had one consecutive regulation loss. Her longest winning streak consisted of three games, which also happened only once. With the postseason never in question, Boston still stormed across the finish line by winning 26 of their last 30 games.
“Being able to stay focused and learn how to win when you’re chasing records is the best thing you can do when you’re having a season like ours to get ready for the playoffs,” Montgomery said .
Anything, anywhere, anything in profits
Regardless of time, place or opponent, the Bruins are beating everyone this season.
Boston equaled the NHL record for road wins in a season (31) shared with the 2005-06 season Detroit Red Wings. It also set franchise records for road wins and home wins (34) during its record-breaking season.
The B’s have bullied the Western Conference on the road this season as 14 of their 16 teams failed to record a win when visiting Boston. The only teams that did, quite inexplicably: the Arizona coyotes And Chicago Blackhawksboth currently tabulate their lottery odds.
A total of 16 teams were winless against the Bruins, eight of them — including playoff bonuses Colorado Avalanche, Winnipeg Jets, New York Rangers And New Jersey Devil — can’t even collect a point against Boston.
“Everyone is valued”: Boston’s deep rating
Marchand once gave his teammate Pastrnak some advice: always aim for 10 goals higher than you think you can score.
“I wanted to reach 60 this season,” Pastrnak said. “I didn’t really think I could get there.”
He got there setting career bests for goals and points. winger Jake DeBruskcenter Paul Zachaand defender Hampus Lindholm And Matt Grzelcyk also reached career highs when the Bruins finished second Edmonton oiler in goals-per-game average. Boston had 12 players who scored at least 30 points during the season.
Boston’s scoring depth is no accident. captain Patrice Bergeron said it was a byproduct of the camaraderie and chemistry that makes these Bruins what they are. Everyone gets their time to shine.
“We want to make sure everyone is valued and doing their best,” he said. “It’s someone that shows up every night and it’s great to see.”
Boston’s ‘elite consistency’ in savings percentage
goalkeeper Linus Ullmark And Jeremy Swayman are known to celebrate Bruins’ victories with an over-the-top hug on the ice. Here’s another reason for them to celebrate: they won the Jennings Trophy as the NHL goaltender with the lowest goals-per-game average for their team.
“It’s such a special relationship. It’s very special for both of us to execute them on the ice,” said Swayman. “There is no one I will ever meet like him again. I just enjoy the ride.”
Montgomery has referred to goaltender Ullmark’s “elite consistency” this season, which is an apt way of describing a goaltender who has won 40 games and led the league in saves and goals-on-average. Between him and Swayman, Boston’s net is very protected no matter where opponents shoot.
