Without Pastrnak, Bruins Chances Are Slim

MVP Type Season

Before the pandemic, David Pastrnak was having an MVP type of year. Pastrnak was right up there with Auston Mathews and Leon Draisaiatl. In 70 games Pastrnak 48 goals and 47 assists for 95 points. Without a productive Pastrnak, Boston’s chances are not very good.

Forward Ondrej Kase was also told he was unfit for duty. Kase gives the Bruins some flexibility on the 3rd and 4th lines. Without either one the team’s chances are dismal.

If both players cannot get in shape before the season Bruce Cassidy will have to count on either Anders Bjork or move Jake DeBrusk to the first line.

DeBrusk A Key Factor

Forward Jake DeBrusk becomes the key factor in the Bruin’s Stanley Cup run. In 65 games, DeBrusk scored 19 goals and 16 assists. Cassidy is known for his line shakeups and having positive results.

It is unknown why either Ondrej Kase and David Pastrnak are unfit to practice. Pastrnak had no known injuries before the pandemic. Kase, on the other hand, was nursing one. Sources have not reported any current injuries.

Additional Pressure On Rask

If Pastrnak and Kase are out for any length of time, this will be additional pressure on Tuukka Rask. Back up Jaroslav Halak does not have the playoff experience or success that Rask has.

One thing is for certain Rask has been one of the best goalies in the league the past two years. If the Bruins get bounced out of the playoffs early this core group may be together for the last time. Rask and Halak are under contract through next year. But without a healthy David Pastrnak Bruin’s fans may have an early summer.

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