Boston Bruins right wing David Pastrnak. Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

David Pastrnak's OT-winner has Bruins a win away from NHL history

By Mike Santa Barbara | Last updated 4/7/23

NHL history is within reach for the Boston Bruins.

On Thursday, the Bruin's outstanding 2022-23 campaign continued with a 2-1 overtime win over the Toronto Maple Leafs. The win, Boston's 61st of the season, is only one shy of the NHL record held by the Tampa Bay Lightning (2018-19) and Detroit Red Wings (1995-96).

The Bruins continued their pursuit of history with an OT win over the Maple Leafs.

Boston is just 1 win away from tying the winningest seasons in NHL history. pic.twitter.com/5EzQ1HJ1EC
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) April 7, 2023

David Pastrnak played hero, one-timing the game-winning goal 2:30 into overtime, lifting the Bruins over the Leafs in a game they trailed near the midway point of the third period.

Finished it off with 5️⃣7️⃣ pic.twitter.com/k7dJkyZY0U
— p - Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) April 7, 2023

For Pastrnak, his OT tally was goal No. 57 on the season. The 26-year-old ranks second in the NHL in goals, trailing only Edmonton Oilers star Connor McDavid, who has a whopping 62 on the year.

Boston did avoid a potential scare with the playoffs quickly approaching. Star defenseman Charlie McAvoy left Thursday's game with an upper-body injury. However, after the game, head coach Jim Montgomery confirmed that the Bruins took McAvoy out of the third period for precautionary reasons, and the team doesn't deem the injury serious.

BOS coach Jim Montgomery said Charlie McAvoy was removed from TOR game for precautionary reasons. Bruins do not believe anything serious.
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) April 7, 2023

The Bruins will have several opportunities over the final week of the NHL regular season to clinch the all-time wins record.

Following Thursday's victory, Boston has four games remaining, three of which come against teams out of the playoff picture. After the Bruins face-off against the New Jersey Devils (50-21-8) on Saturday, Boston's remaining opponents, the Philadelphia Flyers (29-36-13), Washington Capitals (34-35-9) and Montreal Canadiens (32-42-6), all boast losing marks.

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