:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/59394701/usa_today_10783448.0.jpg)
Boston Bruins forward David Pastrnak rampaged on the scoresheet in Saturday night’s game. His creativity with the puck was put on full display, and David had a hand in every goal except one as the Bruins buried the Maple Leafs, 7-3; Pasta scored six points total, and hit a few milestones in the process.
David Pastrnak (21 years, 324 days) of the @NHLBruins is the youngest player in NHL history to record 6+ points in a playoff game, eclipsing the mark set by Wayne Gretzky (22 years, 81 days) in Game 3 of the 1983 Division Finals (4-3—7 at CGY). #NHLStats #TORvsBOS #StanleyCup pic.twitter.com/rLWrPCm61H
— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) April 15, 2018
Pasta also tied a league record for most points through the first two games of ANY playoff series. In HISTORY.
If that wasn’t enough, Pastrnak ALSO:
- Is now tied for sixth-highest for the most points in a single NHL playoff game
- Is one of 16 players to score 6+ points (19 instances - Lemieux did it twice, The Great One thrice)
- Esposito and Middleton are the only Bruins on the list
Now, on to the goals.
First, Pastrnak opened the game’s scoring with this AMAZING read, chip and patient shot. No chance for Freddie Andersen.
David would go subtle for the rest of the first period, as Jake DeBrusk and Rick Nash scored power-play goals in the frame; Kevan Miller added an even-strength one. (Check the game stream for the full highlights.) Pastrnak assisted on two of them, scoring FOUR POINTS in the first period. DAYUM. David netted a third assist in the second period to get five points through two, but in the third, he began to shine once again.
For his first goal of the third period, and his second of the game, David feigned following the puck up the boards before stopping short, hiding in the left corner. Patrice Bergeron chipped the puck back low, and Pasta walked out front with all the time and space in the world, tucking the shot in high to the short side.
For his hat-trick goal, and second of the period, and SIXTH POINT of the game, Pastrnak took a spot-on feed from Brad Marchand behind the net, drew it deftly between his legs, and again out-waited the Toronto goalie.
An outstanding night for the young forward, and it’s only TWO GAMES into the 2018 Stanley Cup Playoffs. There’s more hockey to watch, folks, and this kid has his confidence at an all-time high.