Montreal (from our correspondent) – After the 2019-20 season, he was already returning home as the top scorer and holder of the Maurice Richard Trophy. But after the early end of the regular season, Pastrňák missed two important goals – 50 goals and 100 points. Unfortunately, due to covid, he stopped at 48 hits and 95 points. Strangely enough, as a famous cannoneer, the hundred annoyed him more then.
Even though he is one of the few players able to keep up with Connor McDavid’s scoring streak this season, chasing the Edmonton captain, who has already scored 40 goals, is not a priority for him. Pastrňák is second with 37. With sixty-nine points, he also ranks third in productivity.
Photo: Eric Bolte, Reuters
David Pastrňák in the NHL match against Montreal.Photo: Eric BolteReuters
“I don’t focus so much on some numbers. I accept that I am a scorer and my job is to score goals. That’s why I’m here. I’m happy that I’m getting there, but I’m really going match by match and I’m not thinking about how far I’ll get. I just try to shoot because it’s my job,” Pastrňák said.
In 47 games played, he scored a goal in 29 starts. Only eight times did he not even have a point. In addition, with the number +28, he is among the best players of the season in the plus/minus rating.
“I’m an offensive player and everything is much easier when the team is winning and we play the way we play. So a big part belongs to the teammates,” thanked Pastrňák. However, the Bruins’ huge lead at the top of the overall NHL table did not fall from the sky.
“A lot of it has to do with confidence. We started the season without key players and won big games against good teams which gave us confidence. We will go into every game with confidence and know that we can win if we focus for the full 60 minutes.”
But the parsnip remains its own. He can also add originality to goals. Not only on the ice, but also in dressing. In Montreal, he put on a cap by the British designer Alexander McQueen on top of his elegant coat.
“When you’re winning, there’s more fun in the dressing room, you train less and you’re more comfortable. It’s great so far, but the season will still be long,” said Pastrňák, who now has one of the first peaks ahead of him – on February 4, the NHL All-Star Game will take place in Sunrise, where the fans installed the Bruins’ Czech ambassador.
In his previous two starts among the overseas cream of the crop, he won the 2019 San Jose Marksmanship Competition and a year later was in St. Louis named All-Star Game Most Valuable Player. So what could he demonstrate from the third?
“I look forward to it. It’s a big event. So far, I haven’t had much luck with the places where the games were played, so I’m looking forward to the Florida sun as well,” Pastrňák believes that he will gain energy so that the second half of the season will be as captivating as the first.
