David Pastrnak seems to have finally found form as the Boston Bruins forward, who signed an eight-year, $90 million contract in 2023, recorded his second consecutive two-goal game on Sunday night. However, the Bruins couldn't snap out of their losing streak, which is currently at four, after they fell 5-4 in overtime to the New York Islanders.
It was all Pastrnak in the third period for Boston, who fell 4-2 with four minutes played. The forward scored within a minute on the 4:35 mark to halve the deficit and finished the comeback with his 17th goal of the season in a little over eight minutes.
After the game, the 28-year-old was asked how he felt about his performance. David Pastrnak said he wasn't keen on discussing it as he was preoccupied with the team's loss.
"Yeah, I don't want to talk about it, sorry," Pastrnak said [7:15]. "Can just think about the game. Don't want to. Can ask me tomorrow or Thursday, and we can talk. Sorry."
Pastrnak's game has been under scrutiny all season since he has averaged 54 goals in the past two seasons combined. However, with just 17 goals so far, he is on a 33-goal pace. This is slightly concerning for one of the best goalscorers in the NHL, but signs indicate that he is improving.
Joe Sacco makes his feelings known about David Pastrnak's 'good weekend'
David Pastrnak was also on the scoresheet for two of the four goals the Bruins scored in a 6-4 losing effort against the Toronto Maple Leafs on Saturday. The forward's resilient efforts drew praise from coach Joe Sacco, who was satisfied that a player of his stature was finally regaining confidence.
"Yeah, it was a good weekend for him. Right back to back, multiple goal games," Sacco said. [1:25]. "And he's a guy that he wants to produce for the team. I thought he did it really well tonight, especially the way he played. His overall game was pretty solid.
"He logged a lot of minutes out there tonight on back to back nights. And certainly, whenever you get a guy like him was a goal scorer, they start feeling good about themselves. They regain that confidence. It's good sign."
Despite the losses, the Bruins sit third in the Atlantic Division with 45 points. But they have played three to five games more than the four teams behind them. They have a goal difference of -20 and need to turn their ship soon if they have to make the playoffs.