The Bruins were without their top defenseman Charlie McAvoy to start the season as he missed the first 13 games recovering from offseason shoulder surgery. Since being back the defenseman hasn’t missed a beat as he got off to a hot start from game one where he recorded a goal against the Calgary Flames on November 11th.
On Saturday night, the Boston Bruins tied an NHL record of 11 consecutive home wins to start a season, and it was in large part due to the Bruins’ number-one-one defenseman. McAvoy was a playmaking machine in the 6-1 win over the Chicago Blackhawks, as he recorded four assists. Thanks to his big night, he joined an exclusive list with the likes of Ray Bourque and Bobby Orr.
As per NHL Public Relations:
”Charlie McAvoy (0-4—4) factored on four of the Bruins’ six goals. Only three defensemen in Bruins history recorded more assists in a game: Bobby Orr (6 on Jan. 1, 1973 & 5 on Dec. 20, 1969), Glen Wesley (5 on Oct. 16, 1988) and Ray Bourque (5 on Feb, 18, 1990 & 5 on Jan. 2, 1994).”
It’s always an impressive feat when it gets your name in the same sentence as these two Bruins legends and Hall of Famers. On the season, McAvoy is now up to one goal and six assists through five games and is currently on a three-game point streak.
At just 24 years old, McAvoy has already established himself as a top-five defenseman in the league and only continues to get better. Even though the Bruins were winning before his return, McAvoy is a crucial member of this team, as his leadership and skill are on full display every game. With head coach Jim Montgomery focusing his new game plan on the defensemen being heavily involved in the offense, expect McAvoy’s numbers to reach career highs this season even after missing 13 games.
The Bruins play tomorrow night when they take on the Tampa Bay Lightning on the road in the sunshine state. The puck drop is set for 7 PM EST and kicks off a stretch of playoff contenders that will prove just how good this team is.
