Bruins set another NHL record with 133 points

The Boston Bruins have etched their names in NHL history as the most successful regular-season team ever, setting records for both single-season wins and points. The team surpassed the Montreal Canadiens’ single-season record of 132 points, set in 1976-77, by earning 133 points in the standings with their 5-2 win over the Washington Capitals on Tuesday night. This achievement came after Boston set a new single-season regular-season wins record with their 63rd victory on Sunday, breaking a tie with the 1995-96 Detroit Red Wings and the 2018-19 Tampa Bay Lightning.

The Bruins have dominated the 2022-23 NHL season from start to finish, clinching the Presidents’ Trophy with the league’s best record and home-ice advantage throughout the playoffs. The team has been atop its division standings for the entire season, becoming the fourth team in the NHL’s modern era to achieve this feat, joining the 2008-09 San Jose Sharks, the 1984-85 Edmonton Oilers, and the 1977-78 Canadiens.

The Bruins’ success this season is due in no small part to the team’s veteran winger, Brad Marchand. He spoke about how proud he was of the team, but noted that the record-breaking achievements were not the ultimate goal: “We have our sights set on much bigger goals.” Marchand’s sentiment was echoed by coach Jim Montgomery, who emphasized that breaking the regular-season records was a meaningful goal but not the team’s ultimate objective.

The Bruins’ success has been a team effort, with contributions from players like Tyler Bertuzzi, Tomas Nosek, Garnet Hathaway, and Jake DeBrusk, who scored the game-clinching empty-netter against the Capitals. The team has also been able to weather the storm of injuries, with several key players missing games throughout the season. Despite the adversity, the Bruins have been able to maintain their focus and consistency, setting records for the fastest team to 50 wins (64 games) and 100 points (61 games), as well as a new franchise record for home wins in a season (34).

Montgomery, in his first year as head coach, has been instrumental in the team’s success. Rather than allowing the team to coast into the postseason, he and his players have emphasized the importance of continuing to focus on the present and not looking too far ahead. This mentality has served the team well and will be crucial as they enter the playoffs.

While the Bruins’ regular-season success is undoubtedly impressive, it should be noted that the 1976-77 Canadiens set their regular-season wins record in an era with an 80-game season and before the overtime shootout eliminated tie games. Montreal had 12 ties that season, which makes Boston’s accomplishment even more remarkable.

As the Bruins prepare for the playoffs, they will undoubtedly reflect on their regular-season success and use it as a source of motivation. However, the team knows that the real test lies ahead, and they will need to continue to stay focused and play at their best if they want to bring the Stanley Cup back to Boston.