The Bruins Have Been a WAGON
There are countless numbers of statistics from the 2022–23 NHL regular season demonstrating just how dominant the Boston Bruins have truly been. In fact, they recently became just the fourth squad in the history of the NHL to win 60 or more games.
And with five games left, Boston not only has a chance to match or top the 62-win seasons by the 1995–96 Detroit Red Wings and the 2018–19 Tampa Bay Lightning, but they also have a chance to eclipse the 1976–77 Montreal Canadiens’ mark of 132 points.
Insane Goal Differential
The Boston Bruins have a goal differential of +120 going into their game against the Toronto Maple Leafs on Thursday night at TD Garden. The Dallas Stars, New Jersey Devils, Edmonton Oilers, and New York Rangers have the next-best goal differential of +54, which is less than half as many as Boston.
The Ottawa Senators’ +107 is the current high mark in the 21st century, set during the 2005–06 season. And if Boston plays well to close out the regular season, they should have no problem breaking that.
Chasing History
If the Bruins end with a goal differential of +108 or higher, it will be the highest figure since the Red Wings had a goal differential of +144 in 1995–96, the same year in which Detroit established the league record for victories with 62.
The all-time goal differential record is +216, set by the Montreal Canadiens during the 1976-1977 season, who also holds the record for most points in a season with 132.
It’s worth noting that the Stanley Cup was won by ten of the top 20 teams who led their season in goal differential. To rank among the top 20, the Bruins must have a +123 goal differential or higher.
Potential First-Round Matchups
The Bruins will be a truly daunting opponent for any first-round opponent going into the Stanley Cup playoffs. Boston could play either the Florida Panthers, New York Islanders, or Pittsburgh Penguins in the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals. We’ll know for sure once the Wild Card is decided over the next week or so.
Remember What Really Matters
Yes, the Bruins have had a historic season, setting records and dominating opponents. While these accomplishments are certainly worth celebrating, to be deemed a truly successful season, Boston must go on to win the Stanley Cup.
Every year brings challenges, but when a team can go all the way and take home the holy grail of hockey—the Stanley Cup—they leave an indelible mark on the sport’s history. So if Boston can stay focused and play their best heading into the playoffs, the Bruins could solidify themselves as one of the greatest teams of all time.
