So much for a step back for the Bruins in 2023-24.
No, Jim Montgomery’s squad is not on pace to smash last year’s record-setting 65-12-5 pace.
Still, Boston enters the All-Star Break tied for first (Vancouver, 71 points) atop the NHL standings with a 31-9-9 record.
As expected, the usual suspects like David Pastrnak, Brad Marchand, Charlie McAvoy, Linus Ullmark, and Jeremy Swayman have all done their part to elevate Boston as a potential contender for yet another winter.
But the 2023-24 Bruins season has been marked by several supporting-cast skaters pulling on the rope, along with established veterans thriving under added minutes.