David Pastrnak's linemate, Charlie Coyle, spoke about how Pastrnak handled being benched in the third period of the Bruins' 2-0 win against the Seattle Kraken on Sunday.
David Pastrnak had seven shots on goal in just 14:21 minutes of ice time. He has 11 points this season, with six goals and five assists. These are underwhelming numbers, considering he scored 110 points last season and 113 in the 2022-23 season. At his current pace, he's expected to score around 70 points but will likely improve his performances as the season intensifies.
Coyle said that he doesn't know all the details of the benching but emphasized the importance of focusing on the game:
"I don’t know the full extent of what was going on. Whatever the coach says and whatever his decisions are, you just got to go play,.."
Even while on the bench, David Pastrnak stayed involved. Coyle noticed that Pastrnak was energetic and talked with his teammates. Coyle said,
"Pasta wasn’t silent, though. He was bringing energy. He was talking; he was into it. That’s a sign of a good teammate right there. That’s why he wears a letter; that’s why he’s one of our captains, our leaders."
Before facing the Kraken, Pastrnak had a strong game, getting two assists in an 8-2 loss to the Carolina Hurricanes. Coyle, who signed a $31.5 million contract with Bruins in 2019, scored a power play goal against the Kraken to make it 2-0 in the first period. He said:
"I just tried to hang on, and then your, kind of, instincts just take over,” Coyle said per NHL.com.
“Certain ways you scored before, or something you see or just happen to do and you make the right move. But it was a great look by (Marchand), the movement of the (power play)."
The Bruins look to David Pastrnak’s leadership and skills as they continue their season.
David Pastrnak and Co. beat Seattle Kraken with collective effort
The Boston Bruins won 2-0 against the Seattle Kraken at TD Garden on Sunday. Jeremy Swayman made 23 saves for his first shutout of the season.
Justin Brazeau scored first for the Bruins at 3:23 of the first period, redirecting a shot from Nikita Zadorov. Charlie Coyle made it 2-0 with a power-play goal at 9:57. After the Bruins kept the puck in the zone, Brad Marchand passed to Coyle, who deked around goalie Joey Daccord to score.
Pavel Zacha's goal at 11:06 was disallowed after Seattle challenged for offside. The Bruins played strong defense, holding Seattle to just 10 shots through the first two periods.