Boston Bruins center Pavel Zacha (18) is congratulated by David Pastrnak, left, for a goal against the Edmonton Oilers during the third period of an NHL hockey game Tuesday, March 5, 2024, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)AP
BOSTON — In an attempt to spark two of his top forwards, Jim Montgomery put them back in familiar places.
It paid off helping the Bruins to a 4-3 overtime win over Calgary on Thursday at TD Garden.
A year ago Pavel Zacha had a career year at center with David Pastrnak on his right wing.
He matched his career high in goals (21) and set a new best in assists (38). Pastrnak thrived too with 47 goals and a career-high 63 assists. They built off that winning the IIHF World Championships together for the Czech Republic after the season.
Coming into this year, the Bruins had hoped adding free agent Elias Lindholm to the mix at center and moving Zacha to left wing would only add to the production. But a month into the season, the chemistry hadn’t quite clicked. Pastrnak had six goals this season, but just two over the last 10 games. Zacha had just a goal and two assists all year, while playing mostly left wing.
On Thursday, Montgomery put Zacha back at center with Pastrnak on his right and newly signed Tyler Johnson on the left and put Lindholm between Brad Marchand and Justin Brazeau.
“They played really well,” Montgomery said. “I thought that line was our best offensive line.”
Before the game, Zacha embraced the move.
“Playing back in the center I think is going to be exciting for me,” he said. “I think I feel the most comfortable playing at center. I think I can play a more defensive role there too, which I enjoy doing.”