Another game night, yet another loss for the Boston Bruins. While already grappling with the misery of two massive blunders against the Tampa Bay Lightning and Ottawa Senators, emotions ran high for what ended in a frustrating 3-2 loss against the Buffalo Sabres. This makes it the third consecutive defeat for the Bruins. Many speculations are rife, attributing the Bruins’ never-ending misery to multiple reasons or even all of them culminated. Marchand’s departure has ruined the Bruins further, or so some say. So, what lies ahead for the franchise from the current standing of 30-30-9 now?

Despite the Bruins’ lacklustre performances, some among the initial lineup have been bearing the brunt of the blown chances that the team once had. To add to their woes is a series of officiating mishaps that has left the players fuming on the ice. And David Pastrnak, the alternate captain for the Bruins, just didn’t hold back during a post-match interview. “It’s frustrating that they got that power play opportunity in overtime, but at the same time, we made the mistakes on the puck to make it happen,” he said while describing the madness!

What he did point out about the power play penalty in overtime was a denial of opportunity! Pastrnak vented his vexation by sharing that the Bruins didn’t get a power play when it mattered the most. The opportunity was simply vetoed. While suggesting that they deserved it after the Sabres had been awarded many power plays, he also reflected on the mounting frustration within the locker room after the loss. “I feel like we made some big mistakes,” he admitted.

Well, piecing the bigger picture, there was a tripping call against Marat Khusnutdinov in overtime. But according to Pastrnak, it was irrelevant to point out at the moment with the team already on an edge of tough moments—the frustration, the ignorance, and the missed opportunity! However, this particular call from the officiators pushed Pastrnak to confront the official, but of course, with no recourse. But what proved to be instead was Pastrnak’s sense of responsibility and accountability despite the loss.

David Pastrnak isn’t going to back down!

David Pastrnak’s frustration with the officiators also mirrors the discontent seen in other teams, like the Chicago Blackhawks, who were also knee deep in conflict when their young star, Connor Bedard, received two back-to-back ten minute penalties in consecutive matches despite maintaining a blemish free record till then. But for the Bruins, since it was the team’s leader directly involved, it underscored not just the frustration with the alleged mis-calls but also the pressure that Pastrnak is under. So how does Pastrnak do justice to being put on the spot to fill Marchand’s skates (pun-intended).

Remember when Pastrnak reflected on Bruins’ leadership? Well, he said, “On the level of friendships and human nature, obviously it’s been tough…professionally, you have to flip the page…there’s a group you have to lead so that’s my focus.” He has proved exactly where his focus remains! In the latest match, he made a crucial save to keep his team grounded in the fight, while momentarily turning into a goalie! Now that’s some real commitment! After all, with Brad Marchand’s exit, Pastrnak without hesitation stepped up to the moment as the Bruins’ torchbearer.

Though he was reluctant about taking over the reins for the Bruins, he still did it with a smile, considering it an opportunity to carry forward the team and help them reach the playoffs! He even expressed his emotions, particularly feeling the absence of key players—the familiar faces without whom the situation was even more challenging for him! With the loss against the Sabres diminishing even the thin sliver of chance left to make the play-offs for the Bruins, his frustration just seems to reflect his determination to tackle these mounting challenges he faces as a leader.