Even though the Boston Bruins regular season has been put on hold, I would say we have seen enough to recognize the top performers for the team. So let’s take a look at this year’s top five performers for the Bruins in the 2019-2020 season.
5. Patrice Bergeron
Patrice Bergeron was well on his way to having a career year before the season was stopped. Bergeron was just under a point per game this year with 56 points in 61 games played. He was just one goal away from tying his career high in goals he set a year ago at 32, but will sit a 31 until play returns, if it returns. Just as he is every year, Bergeron was having a great year defensively as well as offensively as one of the front runners for the Selke award for best defensive forward.
4. Torey Krug
Like Bergeron, Krug was well on his way to having a career year. Scoring 49 points in 61 games played is no easy feat for a defenseman. Krug has remained one of the best offensive defensemen and power play specialists in the NHL. Although he does have a plus-minus rating of -4, his defensive struggles are typically overshadowed by his stellar offensive play and he is one of the biggest reasons the Bruins are sitting in first place in the NHL.
3. Tuukka Rask
Tuukka Rask was looking like he was a true contender to win the Vezina Trophy for best goaltender in the NHL before the season was put on hold. Before the stoppage, Rask had a .929 save percentage which is his second best total, his best was in 2013-2014 when he which is when he won the Vezina. After playing in just 41 games it looked like Rask was going to be well-rested for another long playoff run, but now if the season comes back he will really be rested.
2. Brad Marchand
I guess you can say this season was a slight downgrade from last year, but regardless, 87 point in 70 games is stellar for any player. Before the stoppage, Marchand had an outside chance at winning the Hart Trophy as the league’s MVP. Although these numbers are elite they aren’t quite the numbers from last year when he got 100 points in 79 games. Marchand might’ve had a chance to enhance his case for MVP if the season never got suspended, but unfortunately, he won’t get that chance right now.
1. David Pastrnak
If there was one person on the Bruins who was getting more consideration for league MVP it was David Pastrnak. Pastrnak had 95 points in 70 games and was well on his way to 50 goals and a 100 point season before the season was suspended. If the season ended today (which it may be) he would be tied for the league lead in goals with 48. Unfortunately, that 50 goal mark may have to wait another year.
The Bruins as a team have had a great season, but these players have stood out throughout the year. Unfortunately, this team was well equipped for a Stanley Cup run this season and may never get a chance to compete for a title. Nonetheless, these are the players who have been top performers for the Bruins throughout the season.