You can't make the playoffs in 10 games, but you can definitely give yourself some breathing room when the inevitable ebbs and flows of the season strike. That's exactly what the Boston Bruins have done as they've stood out for the right reasons in a deep Atlantic Division. Boston currently leads the division with 15 points, and while the Tampa Bay Lightning's record is technically better, the Bruins' plus-14 goal differential is tied for second in the NHL.
The biggest reason for this fast start has been the play of Jeremy Swayman in goal. He's allowed one or fewer goals in half of his starts, and Swayman's 8.02 goals saved above average ranks second to old Beantown running mate Linus Ullmark, per Natural Stat Trick. We have a long way to go before we start discussing Vezina Trophy candidates seriously, but Swayman certainly has the potential to carry Boston to the postseason.
It helps that David Pastrnak is an elite playmaker, and the Bruins have been getting contributions from young forwards Fraser Minten and James Hagens. Morgan Geekie has also gone from goal-scoring machine to distributor with seven assists in 10 games. The Atlantic Division will be a heavyweight brawl throughout the season, but to this point, the Bruins have proven to be a worthy combatant.
With that in mind, here are the updated NHL Power Rankings. Goals saved above average and expected goals data courtesy of Natural Stat Trick.
Extract — continue reading at the source.
