Donovan McNabb and the State of Football
When the Bruins needed it most, “The Perfection Line” made its long-awaited return to help keep the team’s Stanley Cup hopes alive.
After not playing together for months, Brad Marchand, Patrice Bergeron, and David Pastrnak combined for 16 points in Games 3 and 4 — including 10 in the latter — to give Boston two wins and even its first-round series against Carolina.
Bergeron (49) and Marchand (48) are now the second- and third-leading goalscorers in franchise playoff history.
There’s little doubt the trio will stay together for Tuesday’s Game 5 — but there’s a possibility that this playoff run could be the Line’s last dance.
- Bergeron’s in the final season of his eight-year, $55M contract; there’s speculation the 36-year-old will retire, but the team will likely seek a team-friendly deal if he returns.
- Marchand has three seasons remaining on his eight-year, $49M deal — but his full no-movement clause becomes a modified no-trade clause starting this offseason.
- Pastrnak — one of the NHL’s great young goalscorers — has one season remaining on his six-year, $40M pact and may command an extension exceeding $10M AAV.
Ultimately, the constraints of the salary cap may not allow the B’s to keep all three — especially given their recent moves.
In the last year, Boston signed defensemen Charlie McAvoy ($9.5M AAV), Hampus Lindholm ($6.5M), and Brandon Carlo ($4.1M) — as well as winger Taylor Hall ($6M) — to long-term extensions.
