Still in his prime, David Pastrnak is well on his way to becoming the greatest goal-scorer in the 100-year history of the Boston Bruins.
(Photo Credit: Maddie Meyer - Getty Images)
The winger has tallied an impressive 348 goals in 674 regular-season games, and at 28-years old, already ranks 7th in the category.
Below, are goal-scoring leaders 1-6.
Johnny Bucyk (545)
Phil Esposito (459)
Patrice Bergeron (427)
Rick Middleton (402)
Brad Marchand* (401)
Ray Bourque (395)
*Interesting to note that Brad Marchand is still active, and while he likely doesn't have enough career remaining to eclipse Johnny Bucyk, it is very possible he climbs as high as No. 2 before retirement. At least temporarily, as all signs point to Pastrnak eventually passing everyone. Still, for modern-day Bruins fans it would be pretty cool to one day see the franchise goal scoring list start with the names David Pastrnak, Johnny Bucyk, and Brad Marchand as 1-3.
Okay, back to Pastrnak's chase.
To surpass Bucyk, how many goals does he have to score, and how long could it take him to do it?
Well, as the Bruins gear up for the 2024-2025 season, Pastrnak sits 197 goals back of Bucyk.
In the last two regular seasons, he's averaged 82-games played, and 54-goals scored.
Still in his prime for the next 5 seasons or so, the below projections seem realistic.
Health permitting, it seems Pastrnak becoming the franchises' greatest goal-scorer is inevitable.
A matter of when, not if.
SO.
What makes him elite?
Simply put, it's the speed at which he thinks, makes plays, and the variety of ways in which he executes.
Pastrnak's combination of skill, will, anticipation, adaptation, improvisation, hockey IQ, and execution sets him apart from 99% of players today.
Take a look at some examples of Pastrnak's goal scoring versatility. Starting, appropriately, with his 1st career NHL goal.
Rebound, net-front battling
From an early age, and even with all the natural skill he possesses, Pastrnak has always been willing to go to the net and get his nose dirty.
2. One timer
Pastrnak, has mastered the art of the one-timer perhaps better than anyone in the game today. Alex Ovechkin, Steven Stamkos and David Pastrnak are the premier players in the world when it comes to scoring in this fashion. Pastrnak, however, is the only player of the aforementioned still in his prime, with opportunity to still improve.
3. Wrist shot
Pastrnak's ability to collect this wrap-around puck, and pull it off the wall while pivoting, is a skill none but few in the world can do at such high speed. His elite, quick release was the icing on the cake.
4. Breakaway
Pastrnak, alone on a breakaway from center ice, is a site that goaltenders would classify as a nightmare. His collection of dekes, along with his ability to beat a goalie clean keeps the opposition guessing. Add to all that, Pastrnak's ability to deceive via head, hand and eye positioning, it's a mystery how he will choose to attack on any given opportunity.
5. Deke
This goal against Florida in Game 6, 2023 (We will not be discussing this series any further ... ) was absolutely unfair. Mind you, this was against a two-time Vezina winning goaltender in Sergei Bobrovsky. Before receiving the pass from Marchand, Pastrnak already began adjusting his positioning to have his back facing the net. An unconventional, yet sneaky elite, heads-up move that most in the league wouldn't even think about, let alone execute. Then, his ability to receive the pass while in motion, put the puck between his legs, and finish with an in-tight, short-side, top-shelf shot? Absolutely insane to pull off at any level, let alone the highest, and in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
6. Backhand
This goal truly demonstrates Pastrnak's ability to truly score from anywhere, and in any fashion. Once again, this goaltender was no slouch. Igor Shesterkin was, and still is one of the best goalies in the world, and was coming off of a Vezina winning season. Yes, backhands are notoriously difficult for goalies to predict. But what stands out on this goal, is Pastrnak's strength that has been developed over his career, and his willingness to have a shot first mentality and shoot from everywhere. Many players defer at the NHL level and lack the willingness to shoot. Now Pastrnak ironically has more assists than goals in his NHL career, so he's definitely a skilled passer and unselfish player - But he recognizes that there's a time and a place for everything better than just about any player in the game today. Now the the speed and velocity of this finish? Filthy, absolutely filthy.
The styles, and highlights are endless.
NOW, FANS.
I'll leave you with this.
Is the player perfect? No.
But, none of them ever are.
Don't waste TOO much time complaining about turnovers that you miss the greatness.
'B' in the MOMENT.
Enjoy, and appreciate watching David Pastrnak. Because when it comes to goal scoring, he's likely going down as the greatest Bruin to ever do it.
Insane talent. Loved rewatching those goals!