David Pastrnak's OT-winner has Bruins a win away from NHL history
NHL history is within reach for the Boston Bruins.
On Thursday, the Bruin's outstanding 2022-23 campaign continued with a 2-1 overtime win over the Toronto Maple Leafs. The win, Boston's 61st of the season, is only one shy of the NHL record held by the Tampa Bay Lightning (2018-19) and Detroit Red Wings (1995-96).
David Pastrnak played hero, one-timing the game-winning goal 2:30 into overtime, lifting the Bruins over the Leafs in a game they trailed near the midway point of the third period.
For Pastrnak, his OT tally was goal No. 57 on the season. The 26-year-old ranks second in the NHL in goals, trailing only Edmonton Oilers star Connor McDavid, who has a whopping 62 on the year.
Boston did avoid a potential scare with the playoffs quickly approaching. Star defenseman Charlie McAvoy left Thursday's game with an upper-body injury. However, after the game, head coach Jim Montgomery confirmed that the Bruins took McAvoy out of the third period for precautionary reasons, and the team doesn't deem the injury serious.
The Bruins will have several opportunities over the final week of the NHL regular season to clinch the all-time wins record.
Following Thursday's victory, Boston has four games remaining, three of which come against teams out of the playoff picture. After the Bruins face-off against the New Jersey Devils (50-21-8) on Saturday, Boston's remaining opponents, the Philadelphia Flyers (29-36-13), Washington Capitals (34-35-9) and Montreal Canadiens (32-42-6), all boast losing marks.
More must-reads: