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How many cups of coffee did Friday require? You’ll understand if you managed to stay awake long enough Thursday night into Friday morning to see the Boston Bruins capture their 44th victory of the season on the road over the Seattle Kraken. But, like a normal person, you’ve come to the right place if you prefer your rest and relaxation.
- Those pesky ‘Sens’: During the 2022-23 NHL season, the Ottawa Senators are to the Bruins as Kryptonite is to Superman. Well, at least until Monday. Leading up to their Presidents Day matchup, the “pesky Sens” had something the rest of the league did not, a winning record against the Boston Bruins. Of course, that changed, Boston went on to win 3-1, but it was the effort from the short-staffed Senators which gives credence to their nickname.
- Cardiac DeBrusk: Since his return from injury Jake DeBrusk has five points in three games. According to Ty Anderson, since his elevation to Boston’s top line in 71 games DeBrusk has produced 59 points.
- K.I.S.S. method: Confidence is a profound trait. But, with under a minute left in the period, up by a goal, I am willing to bet Matt Gryzlek will want this decision back.
- That’s old school: Brady Tkachuk just makes plays. Hit a post, got robbed on a breakaway, and, most impressively, turned a routine breakout for Boston into a glorious scoring chance for his team. What’s that saying about an apple falling from a tree?
- Norris season: Stop me if you have heard this before. With 2:56 remaining in the second period and the game tied 1-1 against Ottawa. David Pastrnak received a pass from Charlie McAvoy at the faceoff dot, walked in, and placed a shot perfectly over Senators goalie Kevin Mandolese’s glove, stalemate broken. But it was how the puck went from McAvoy to Pastrnak that deserves your attention.
- Meet the new guy(s): Bruins General Manager Don Sweeney made true on his promise to “go all in” to give his team the best chance possible of winning a Stanley Cup. Striking a deal with the Washington Capitals to acquire Dmitry Orlov and Garnet Hathaway in exchange for Craig Smith, a 2023 first round pick, a 2024 third round pick, and a 2025 second round pick. As a result, Washington also agreed to retain 50% of Orlov’s salary. But the math was not done there; to remain salary cap compliant, Boston required the Minnesota Wild to retain 25% of Orlov’s salary, and as compensation, the Wild received a 2023 5th round pick. Boston also acquired Andrei Svetlakov from Minnesota. Quick recap- to Boston: Dmitry Orlov, Garnet Hathaway, Andrei Svetlakov. To Washington: Craig Smith, 2023 1st RD pick, 2025 2nd RD pick, 2024 3rd RD pick, Washington retains 50% of Orlov contract. To Minnesota: 2023 5th RD pick, Wild retain 25% of Orlov contract.
- Putting on the foil: Dmitry Orlov is a former second round pick of the Capitals and has developed into a bonafide top 4 left shot defenseman. Garnet Hathaway’s strength is, well, his strength. This prototypical bottom 6 forward will capture fans’ hearts in short order. Additionally, Hathaway is the first Boston Bruin to hail from the state of Maine and a former Brown University Bear.
- Buckeyed for Bedard: Michael Russo, who covers the Minnesota Wild for the Athletic, made an observation pertaining to dumpster diving Columbus Blue Jackets, and it’s spot on. If there was ever a club more deserving of a franchise-altering talent, the likes of Connor Bedard, it’s them. For reference, their -68 goal differential is second only to Anaheim’s almost unfathomable -99.
- Breakneck pace: Monday afternoon’s game against Ottawa was a chess match. Thursday night’s 6-5 victory over the Seattle Kraken was reminiscent of Frogger during the Indianapolis 500. Eleven total goals, three of which came in the final 4:10 of regulation.
- That’s hockey baby: David Pastrnak enjoyed the game’s first shot, but it was Massachusetts native Matty Beniers who scored just 40 seconds into the first period.
- Timely saves: Jeremy Swayman has been tremendous all season but was Boston’s MVP against the Kraken. Outshot 41 to 33 and was bombarded in the first period. Game puck to him.
- Meat and potatoes: What Seattle may lack in star power, they more than make up for in intensity. Lost track of how many turnovers they forced by chipping the puck behind Swayman’s net and getting to work.
- Change of ‘Shea’nery: I wonder about Conor Sheary to Seattle. The 30-year-old Winchester, Massachusetts native has 30 points in 60 games for the Washington Capitals. Sheary would complement a Seattle roster that lists just two left wings (Jared McCann and Brandon Tanev).
- No more ‘Blues’: Kraken defenseman and former St. Louis Blue Vince Dunn was all over the ice against Boston. Given St. Louis exposed Dunn during the expansion draft, it’s nice to see.
- Yeah, I’ve seen this one: David Pastrnak walked Seattle’s Adam Larsson and scored in an eerily similar place to his goal against Ottawa Monday.
- I’d like to report a crime: Words won’t do it justice, so here is Philipp Grubauer robbing Brad Marchand blind.
- 37 + 63 = 100: Brad Marchand connected with Patrice Bergeron for yet another short-handed goal. Never know when it’ll be the last time, not to be morbid.
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