Pavel Zacha providing a spark for the Bruins offense
Over the last two years, Pavel Zacha has become an essential part of the Bruins success. During his first season in the black and gold, he set career highs in goals with 21 and assists with 36. Three weeks into the 2023-2024 campaign, the 26-year-old center has built on his success.
As Boston posted an 8-0-1 record in November, the former first-round pick recorded six points in nine games. On Monday, he continued to come through in critical moments during the Bruins most impressive win of the season. After falling behind the Panthers 2-0, Boston scored three unanswered goals and Zacha netted the game-winner.
While splitting time between the Bruins top two lines, the New Jersey native is fourth on the team in points. After a slow start, he has started to settle in and recorded at least one point in four straight games.
Additionally, Zacha has provided a spark offensively by not trying to do much. He has taken advantage of what his opponents have given, which was on display against Florida.
“I was looking if we were going 2-on-1, and kind of on the way there I was looking if there was going to be a chance to pass,” Zacha said when discussing his overtime goal. “But then the [defense] kind of went away, so I was just looking at where it was open in the far side, and I’m happy that I did it low blocker there.”
Although his sample size this season is small, Zacha is averaging nearly a point per game. After an offseason full of change, the Bruins have once again been able to rely on Zacha for offense during an impressive start.
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