To say the Boston Bruins have been a great team this season would be an understatement. With a 48-8-5 record, the Bruins are on a historic pace, and they are only getting better.

The Bruins moved on from head coach Bruce Cassidy in the offseason, a move which may have been questionable in the eyes of some fans. Cassidy, who now coaches the Vegas Golden Knights, first joined the Bruins in the 2016-17 season and was tenured until last year. In the five full seasons in which Cassidy coached, the Bruins won over 60% of their games and made the playoffs five seasons in a row. Cassidy’s best season as the Bruins head coach came in the 2018-19 season when the Bruins made it to the Stanley Cup Final only to be defeated by the St. Louis Blues in seven games. 

New coach Jim Montgomery, to say the least, has fit in well in Boston. This season the Bruins are 48-8-5 through March 2nd, giving them a pace to be not only the winningest single-season team but the highest-scoring in NHL history as well. 

This incredible success is a result of an incredible roster. David Pastrnak is in the midst of a career season, scoring 43 goals and accumulating for 83 points. Additionally, the Bruins have six more players who have accounted for over 40 points this season: Brad Marchand (53), David Krejci (49), Patrice Bergeron (47), Pavel Zacha (43), Charlie McAvoy (42), and Hampus Lindholm (41). The Bruins scorers mentioned above have been incredibly successful in the power play as well. 30 of Pastrnak’s 83 points have come off of power plays this season. Brad Marchand has aided Pastrnak well, assisting on 16 power play goals while scoring eight of his own. McAvoy and Lindholm have accounted for double-digit assists solely off of power plays as well. 

The Bruins have not only benefitted off of a stellar offense, but a marvelous defense as well. Headlined by Charlie McAvoy, the Bruins defense has been a force to be reckoned with this season, Additionally, truly incredible play by the Bruins goalies has also propelled the Bruins to new heights this season. Last season, Linus Ulmark went 26-10 (.722) for the Bruins, with a save percentage of 91.7% and a goals allowed average of 2.45. This season, Ullmark has improved on all parameters, and his numbers reflect it. Ullmark leads the NHL in wins (31), save percentage (93.8%) and goals allowed average (1.88). Backup goialie Jeremy Swayman is also fulfilling his role in goal this season; the third-year goalie is 16-4 and improved on save percentage and goals allowed average from last season. 

The Bruins were already the best team in the league before the trade deadline. The Bruins have 48 wins, and only one other team in the league has 40. At the trade deadline, the Bruins sent future assets away for potential success, acquiring multiple players. The Bruins added Dmitry Orlov and Garnet Hathaway, gaining depth for their roster. Furthermore, a move to acquire Tyler Bertuzzi from the Red Wings propelled the Bruins even further in depth and skill. All in all, with the trade deadline in the past, the Bruins may not only capture a championship this season, but set some records along the way.

Stats via hockeyreference.com, nhl.com, espn.com