The task was clear: David Pastrňák must not pass! And the Toronto Maple Leafs managed to fulfill the difficult mission, they guarded the NHL superstar twice in a row, and each time it was the key to victory. And so the series between the traditional clubs will be decided by the seventh game. And Boston coach Jim Montgomery has a clear idea of who should shine after two plonk nights.
“At this stage of the season, the best players have to play the best of the entire team. It’s time for Pasta to dominate as he usually does,” says Jim Montgomery.
He knows very well that Pastrňák, as his biggest offensive weapon, does not have it easy at all. Toronto focuses on him, calmly leaves Pavel Zacha relatively free and prefers to make every second on ice surface number 88 uncomfortable.
Even seasoned captain Brand Marchand doesn’t care that much about the Maple Leafs.
Even so, Montgomery needs Pastrňák, the author of 110 points in the regular season, to deal with fierce defending. To flash a surprising action, he took it upon himself. As well as another numero 88 in the last game – two-goal Swede William Nylander.
Nylander clearly overshadowed his great friend this time.
And Montgomery really, really wants the tables turned for the decisive match. “We need Pasta to show some masterwork in critical moments. Marchand has already done it, now it’s his turn,” his words can be loosely translated.
It should be noted that in Pastrňák’s performance, this year’s playoffs are by no means a flop. He has a record of 2+2 and his effort cannot be faulted even for the fifth and sixth duels, during which he recorded a total of eight shots between three poles. None of the Bostonians were more active.
On the other hand, when Pastrňák is on the rink, with an equal number of players, the Bruins pull the short end, find themselves under pressure and have an unflattering score of 2:4.
Is it just “Paste”? Nowhere. And it’s not just the calling card of the defense he faces. He does not have centers of the caliber of John Tavares, Nathan MacKinnon or, as before, Patrice Bergeron. That has to show.
But demanding fans will have a hard time reflecting on this. They want miracles from Pastrňák. And Montgomery tries to whip the hockey virtuoso to them. Because he understands that only Pastrňák is capable of them. That he is his trump card and greatest hope.
Will he make it?
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