There are records that have been said to be unbeatable for years. On an individual level, Alex Ovechkin (810 goals) threatens to unseat Wayne Gretzky (894 goals). Together, the Boston Bruins endured the legendary Montreal Canadiens eight-lost season of 1976-1977.
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For the first time this season, the Bruins will play their eternal rivals, the Canadiens. They will come to Montreal with an incredible record of 37 wins, 5 losses and 4 losses in overtime. With 78 points already under their belt, they are more than ten points ahead of the second-place team in the NHL, the Carolina Hurricanes (66 points).
With five minor losses after 46 games, the Bruins have a mathematical chance of breaking the record for fewest losses in a season of 80 games or more. In 1976-1977, the Canadian had captured the imagination with a season of 60 wins, 8 losses and 12 draws.
When asked about the possibility of the Bruins attacking the CH brand, Martin St-Louis gave the following response.
“It’s still possible for the Bruins but I think it’s going to be a difficult task,” he replied. It’s not impossible. I think that’s more difficult in modern hockey. In my youth, my father [Normand] often spoke to me about the great Canadian teams. He was spoiled in his youth. It’s great to see the Bruins season. But we will try to thwart them. »
Not like basketball
A Massachusetts native, Jordan Harris grew up a Bruins fan.
“I didn’t know about the eight-game losing streak, but it’s crazy to think the Bruins could do it,” said the young defenseman. I would like to give them another defeat. Ice hockey is a team sport. You can’t win with one or two big stars like in basketball. A few years ago the Golden State Warriors [2016] ended with only nine losses. »
“It’s pretty impressive to see the Bruins with just five losses after almost 50 games. [46]. They’re having an incredible season. »
Arber Xhekaj will discover the rivalry between the two teams for the first time.
“It’s one of the best rivalries in hockey,” Xhekaj said. I look forward to participating. The Bruins are having a crazy season, but we might surprise them. There are teams who make the mistake of seeing us as easy prey. »
Bergeron and the Roots
The Bruins are not a one-man team. There’s Patrice Bergeron, David Pastrnak, Brad Marchand, Charlie McAvoy, David Krejci, Hampus Lindholm and Linus Ullmark.
“It’s a group that has been playing together for a long time,” St-Louis recalled. You are well organized. Every time a new player joins, they get into what they’re doing. We want to build that here. I talked about the train the other time. The Bruins have a very good train. »
But the driver of this train remains Captain Bergeron.
“That suits him,” remarked the CH head coach. But he’s not just the leader. Patrice is the great leader, but there are others after him. There are multiple roots. Together they are really strong. »