BOSTON –– David Pastrnak settled the outlet pass from Hampus Lindholm, broke in on Alex Lyon and deked around the goaltender’s left pad.
As the puck crossed the goal line, the Boston Bruins’ season was extended. Pastrnak pulled through. It was overtime in Game 5 at KeyBank Center against the Buffalo Sabres. Pastrnak’s heroics secured the 2-1 win, brought the first-round series to 3-2 and forced a Game 6 back home.
Following the thrill and adrenaline of the sudden-death victory, none of Pastrnak’s teammates nor coaches were surprised by the play. It is what he always does, they explained. He shines in the big moments.
That brilliance was on full display throughout the 2025-26 campaign for Pastrnak, who logged his fourth consecutive 100-point showing, which led the team. He had 29 goals and 71 assists (a career and team high) through 77 regular-season games before adding seven points (three goals, four assists) in the playoffs, which also was most on the B’s.
The 30-year-old forward had 29 multi-point performances, including eight three-point games, one four-point game and a career-high six-point game. Pastrnak posted six assists in the 10-2 win over the New York Rangers on Jan. 10 at TD Garden, tying Bobby Orr and Ken Hodge for the most assists in one game in franchise history.
Pastrnak’s longest point streak of the season was 12 games from March 7 to March 28; he had 20 points (seven goals, 13 assists) through that stretch, helping push the Bruins into playoff positioning. He was also named to the 2025-26 NHL Second All-Star Team on June 12, marking his third consecutive selection to that group.
Every year feels like one of milestones for Pastrnak, who continues to reach new heights as a Bruin. During 2025-26, he skated in his 800th NHL game, scored his 400th NHL goal and 500th NHL assist.
And to think of what next season will hold.
