David Pastrnak has been one of the best players in the NHL in the past decade. Pastrnak is one of the driving forces behind the Boston Bruins’ offense. The Czech Republic born winger has dazzled the hockey world with countless amazing plays. Because of this, Pastrnak has deservedly won the award for the best Czech hockey player. Again.
Pastrnak’s Career In Boston
When Pastrnak was drafted by Boston in 2014, many in the organization knew he had explosive potential. Pastrnak would not see NHL ice until about halfway through the 2014-2015 season, but he immediately made an impact. The then teenage Pastrnak was already making plays that most NHL players can only dream to make. Pastrnak would then go on to be a center piece of the Bruins’ offense.
Between 2016 and 2021, Pastrnak lead the Bruins in goal scoring in 3 out of the 5 seasons. In the 2019-2020 regular season in particular, Pastrnak scored a career high of 48 goals. That season, Pastrnak would share the Rocket Richard Trophy with Alex Ovechkin for the highest goal scorer in the NHL. Pastrnak though was most likely denied a 50 goal season and sole ownership on the Rocket Richard due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Nonetheless, hockey fans have grown to love Pastrnak. His style of play is one of the most exciting to watch in the league. Fans in Boston have affectionately dubbed him “Pasta”. Its not at all uncommon to see Bruins fans wearing a pasta strainer on their heads while at TD Garden in support of Pastrnak.
A Record Breaking Honor
While the 2021 season was not Pastrnak’s best, he still was one of the best player on the ice. His efforts once again earned Pastrnak the Zlatá hokejka which translates to the Golden Hockey Stick. This award has been given out to the best Czech hockey player since 1969. This marks the 5th time that Pastrnak has won the award.
The Golden Hockey Stick has been awarded to some of the biggest names in the NHL such as Dominik Hašek and Jaromír Jágr. Jágr actually has won the award a record 12 times thanks to his seemly endless player career. One thing Jágr has not done though is win the award five years in a row. That honor belongs to David Pastrnak.
To be considered the best Czech player even once is a high honor, but five times in a row is unprecedented. The Czech Republic is a hockey hot bed. Some of the greatest hockey players of all time have come out of the Eastern European nation. It speaks volumes that Pastrnak was able to do something no other Czech player has done before. With how young Pastrnak is, there is a good chance too he even breaks Jágr’s record.
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