Under the Spotlight: 3 Bruins Players Who Must Elevate Their Game in November
The Boston Bruins are on an impressive hot streak, a refreshing turnaround after some challenging stretches. Naturally, fans and analysts alike are wondering if they can maintain this momentum. While it’s impossible to predict, there are certainly ways the Bruins can improve their chances of keeping the wins coming.
A key factor will be for some of their standout players to step up their game even further as November progresses. Among them are a couple of stars whose potential could make a real difference if they hit peak form. Meeting these heightened expectations might be just what the Bruins need to sustain this promising run.
1 – Jeremy Swayman
The Boston Bruins are indeed experiencing a positive shift, and sustaining this momentum is crucial. For that to happen, key players must elevate their performances as the season progresses. Jeremy Swayman’s recent shutout is promising, but he needs to build on that to ensure the Bruins continue their success in November.
While Swayman has faced challenges this season, his role as a goaltender is critical for the team’s stability. Fans will be eager to see if he can consistently perform at the level expected of a Vezina contender and help the Bruins maintain their winning ways. Here’s hoping he finds his rhythm and avoids the struggles that plagued him in October!
2 – David Pastrnak
This isn’t meant to criticize David Pastrnak, who has been performing well with six goals and 11 points in 13 games. However, as the Bruins continue to play catch-up, the pressure is on him to elevate his game even further, especially given his potential to play at an MVP-caliber level.
Currently, Pastrnak risks ending his streak of over 100 points this season if he maintains his current pace of less than a point per game. In a more stable Bruins lineup, this wouldn’t be a concern, but given the team’s situation, it’s crucial for him to find his midseason form—ideally by now in November.
Despite a recent benching, the reasoning behind it suggests that it’s not a cause for alarm at this point. Fans will be looking for him to bounce back and help propel the team forward as the season unfolds.
3 – Pavel Zacha
I’m not suggesting that Pavel Zacha needs to play at an elite level, as he hasn’t quite reached that point in his career yet. However, he definitely needs to provide the Bruins with more than just one goal and three points in 13 games, especially considering his current shooting percentage of only 3.1%. The team is counting on him to contribute more consistently moving forward.
In recent seasons, Zacha has established himself as a reliable depth scorer and playmaker, accumulating 57 and 59 points during his tenure with the Bruins. Last season, he was known for his physical play and effectiveness in the faceoff circle, but so far in the 2023-24 season, those strengths haven’t been evident.
The Bruins require all their scorers to elevate their performance, but it’s crucial for players like Zacha, who have significantly underperformed, to rediscover their game more than anyone else.