Following grueling games against the Florida Panthers, Boston Bruins standout David Pastrnak gave a powerful message to his teammates.
The Boston Bruins have started the 2024/25 NHL season with a 2-2-0 record, with both losses coming against a familiar foe—the Florida Panthers, who have seemingly become the Bruins’ nemesis. This developing rivalry has sparked flames in the Atlantic Division, resulting in must-see games between the two teams. Following the heated confrontations with the Cats, Bruins forward David Pastrnak had a powerful message for another forward on the club.
Boston met Florida twice in six days and lost both games to the Panthers. The first loss occurred on NHL Opening Night, when the Panthers put salt in the wounds by forcing the Bruins to attend their Stanley Cup banner ceremony. Once the puck dropped, Florida dominated, winning 6-4. Boston attempted to shift the trend by creating fights, but their attempts were unsuccessful.
Less than a week later, the Panthers returned to Boston for a rematch. This time, the Bruins presented a far more difficult task, but Florida once again triumphed, cementing their position as Boston’s public enemy number one.
One of the most memorable moments in the second game was when Pastrnak struggled for control along the end boards. Former Bruins player A.J. Greer whacked him on the numbers, sending ‘Pasta’ headfirst into the boards. Boston’s superstar had no time to respond to the hit, so teammate Pavel Zacha dropped the gloves and squared off against Greer. Pastrnak was grateful that his teammate had his back.
Heavyweights Showdown at TD Garden
The Bruins’ second game against the Panthers did not disappoint. Both teams came out aggressively, and every hockey fan knows what happens when two physical teams collide on the ice: chaos erupts. The game included 74 hits and 40 penalty minutes, transforming TD Garden into a war.
Though Pastrnak is no stranger to dropping the gloves when the going gets tough, head coach Jim Montgomery does not anticipate that from his star striker. Through four games, the Czech has three goals and one assist.
Pastrnak had 110 points last season (47 goals and 63 assists), and the Bruins will need his offensive prowess more than ever if they are to remain competitive in the Atlantic Division.
