The Boston Bruins are having a special sort of season.
It's a season with historic potential. And one that's way off-script.
The Bruins weren't supposed to be a powerhouse, with an NHL-leading 83 points and jaw-dropping 39-7-5 record. Boston didn't figure to be so dominant, sitting second overall in goals (3.73) and first in goals-against (2.12) with the league's best penalty kill (85.8%) and a top-five power play (25.1%) through 51 games.
No, Boston was predicted to be in trouble.
Brad Marchand and Charlie McAvoy would miss the start of the season following hip and shoulder surgery, respectively.