David Pastrnak helped the Boston Bruins snap a three-game losing streak with a 4-0 win over Tampa Bay, offering a much-needed boost to the team. However, the victory came in the aftermath of a major shake-up—the trade of Brad Marchand, a move that cut deep within the locker room.
According to Pastrnak, processing the Bruins‘ departures has been difficult. “It’s been very tough, emotional, sad…” he said. For him, the trades were more than just roster moves—they were personal. “Personally, I lost three really close friends.”
Despite the emotional weight of the situation, Pastrnak knows the team has to push forward. “You are still a professional hockey player, you have a job to do…” He emphasized that the focus now has to be on the group that remains, adjusting their mindset to keep competing.
While the Bruins’ playoff hopes are hanging by a thread, Pastrnak remains determined to fight until the end. “We are not gonna go away. We are gonna keep battling until the last game and see where it takes us.” As of now, Boston sits in sixth place in the Eastern Conference Wild Card standings.
Pastrnak Stresses the Importance of Staying Together
An 11-year veteran with the Bruins, Pastrnak understands that some players may have different plans once the season ends, but he believes the team must stay united. “It’s important to be together during the tough times. It’s the worst side of the business we are in, but we have to stay together.”
According to Pastrnak, the team recognizes the difficulty of the situation. They miss their departed teammates, especially during challenging moments, but they also know there’s still work to be done.
Bruins’ Recent Trades Shake Up the Locker Room
The latest departure from the team was Brandon Carlo, who had been with the Bruins since 2016 and had only ever played for Boston until his trade on March 7. That same day, Marchand and Marc McLaughlin were also dealt, delivering a major blow to the locker room.