As the Boston Bruins began the 2022-23 NHL season, many thought they would be lucky to keep their heads above water.
Between injuries to veteran players and a new coach, anyone could have expected what was going to happen.
The Bruins kept winning. They won without Brad Marchand, Charlie McAvoy and Matt Grzelcyk. They won without Brandon Carlo for a few games due to a concussion. They beat Jeremy Swayman and Derek Forbort for a month.
Despite the tough times, the Bruins found ways to win games night in and night out. Linus Ullmark is between the pipes and Patrice Bergeron has helped him look like a legitimate Vezina contender as he continues to improve with age.
But what’s incredibly impressive is that the Bruins haven’t won many games, and when they do, they haven’t lost in a row.
Regardless of Saturday’s game against the Buffalo Sabres, the Bruins will end their first 36-game unbeaten streak in two games. They moved to 7-0-0 after a 3-1 loss to the New Jersey Devils on Wednesday night.
The Bruins have Thursday and Friday off before welcoming the Sabers to TD Garden — a dangerous spot for Boston’s visitors, having not lost a game in regulation on home ice this season.
