Eight noteworthy stats from Bruins’ first five games of 2024-25 season
A fourth-line scoring surge and lackluster net front coverage have been noteworthy developments for the Bruins through five games.
The 2024-25 Bruins season is in full swing, with Boston currently holding a 3-2-0 record following Wednesday’s 5-3 win over the Avalanche.
Given the amount of turnover across the depth chart for Boston, it was to be expected for there to be some growing pains for the Bruins this fall.
But even with two losses doled by the Panthers, this Bruins team has already been bolstered by some unexpected contributors.
Here are eight stats and trends that have stood out over the Bruins’ first five games, highlighting both the growth of an evolving roster and flaws that must be corrected.
12 goals scored per 60 minutes of 5-on-5 play for Kastelic line
Just how dominant has Boston’s fourth line of Johnny Beecher, Mark Kastelic, and Cole Koepke been this season?
According to Evolving Hockey, the trio is averaging an absurd 12 goals scored over a projected 60 minutes of 5-on-5 action — with Boston currently outscoring opponents, 8-0, over their 40 minutes of 5-on-5 reps so far this season.
That 12.0 GF/60 is far and away the best scoring rate for any forward line in the NHL, followed by Jonathan Huberdeau’s line in Calgary (8.67 GF/60), Jack Eichel’s line in Las Vegas (8.59) and the grouping of Anton Lundell, Sam Reinhart and Eetu Luostarinen (7.7) in Florida.
Through five games, this grouping of Beecher, Kastelic, and Koepke has been the best line in hockey — combining for six goals and 15 points out of the gate, all while only having 34.6 percent of their faceoffs set in the offensive zone at 5-on-5 play.
While the Bruins have tallied eight 5-on-5 goals when the Kastelic line has been out on a shift, there have been 17 teams across the NHL who haven’t even scored eight 5-on-5 goals all season.
This scoring surge may not be sustainable for Boston’s fourth line. But if this trio continues to play with pace, win puck battles, and operate below the goal line, this bottom-six grouping could be the best checking unit in the league.
-0.4 goals saved above expected for Jeremy Swayman
Jeremy Swayman was one of the best goalies in the NHL last season as far as snuffing out Grade-A scoring chances, ranking fourth in the league in goals saved above expected at 18.4 (per MoneyPuck).
But after logging zero reps with the Bruins in both training camp and preseason play amid his contract negotiations, Boston’s franchise goalie has been understandably rusty out of the gate.
Beyond his .893 save percentage through three appearances, Swayman’s goals saved above expected rate is -0.4 (in
essence, he’s allowed more goals than expected when measured against the quality of shots and scoring chances generated by opponents).
That -0.4 rate currently ranks 35th in the NHL to start the year, with Joonas Korpisalo 40th overall with a -0.9 rate.
