BOSTON | Rewriting the record books has symbolism, but it’s not the Bruins’ primary goal. Jim Montgomery, Patrice Bergeron and Charlie McAvoy all insisted on the importance of having a long run in the playoffs before calling this 2022-2023 season magical.
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On the eve of the Canadian’s first visit of the season to Boston, a calendar deviation, the Bruins have already signed 54 wins. They sit enthroned at the top of the NHL with a whopping 113 points (54-11-4).
With twelve games remaining on the schedule, the Bruins have a good chance of setting a team record and eclipsing the 57-win mark of Bobby Orr’s great team of 1970-1971. They could also challenge the NHL-record 62 wins held by the Tampa Bay Lightning (2018-19) and Detroit Red Wings (1995-1996).
“It’s hard to rate that,” McAvoy said of his team’s possible record season. That would be cool, sure. But it doesn’t matter if you don’t win the ultimate prize and that’s the mentality of everyone. »
“It’s not meant to look good or sound cliche, but our goal is the playoffs,” added Bergeron. Until then we have to play well. When we manage to break records like that, it’s still flattering. But honestly, we don’t go into it and we don’t put our energy into records. »
“We always talk about focusing on our process and sticking to a vision game after game,” continued the captain. If we think about it, we leave our philosophy. We don’t have to deal with records or numbers. »
The verdict at the end
Bergeron, winner of the 2011 Stanley Cup and finalist in 2013 and 2019, experienced the joy of a win but also the sadness of two losses. He also has enough experience to know that we won’t be judging this season until the end of the playoffs.
“Once in the playoffs, even if you’ve had a very good season, it doesn’t change anything,” Bergeron said. There is still a lot of work ahead of us. »
Not a word about records
After training at Warrior Ice Arena, the Bruins’ training facility, Montgomery made it clear that chasing records was never part of his plans.
“We haven’t talked about records all year,” replied the 53-year-old Montreal native. That’s not how we work. We talk about improving every day to become the best possible team at the right time. »
“I know there are several people who think this is our version for the media. But it is the truth. We’re not talking about hitting 60 wins or 63 wins or breaking another record. »
Better than his childhood team
Montgomery, who is from Quebec, grew up with the great Montreal Canadiens in the 1970s and often described his love for Guy Lafleur, Steve Shutt, Jacques Lemaire, Larry Robinson or Ken Dryden.
In a press conference, the author of these lines mentioned to him that the current edition of the Bruins has a serious chance of winning more than the CH from 1976-1977 (60-8-12).
“Hearing you say that puts a twinkle in my eye,” the Bruins head coach said. There are very few teams that have won that many games. shall we arrive Yes. But we will not chase this record. If we play right and follow our plan, we believe in our chances. »
However, in 1976-77 the Habs played an 80-game schedule and there was no overtime or shootout at the time. Five-minute overtime was introduced in 1983-84 and penalty shoot-outs originated in 2005-06.
The record for NHL wins
62 – Detroit Red Wings 1995-1996 They didn’t win the cup
62 – Tampa Bay Lightning 2018-2019 They didn’t win the trophy
60 – Montreal Canadiens 1976-1977 They won the cup
59 – Montreal Canadiens 1977-1978 They won the cup
Bruins win record
57 – 1970-1971 They didn’t win the cup
54 – 2022-2023 Ongoing
54 – 2013-2014 They didn’t win the cup
54 – 1971-1972 They won the cup