The Boston Bruins have begun reshaping the way they deploy Charlie McAvoy on the penalty kill, aiming to balance his elite defensive contributions with the need to preserve his energy for other responsibilities.
Last season, McAvoy logged a team‑high 2 minutes and 48 seconds of shorthanded ice time per game, accumulating a career total of 193 minutes and 38 seconds while also reaching 60 points and recording 50 assists for the first time in his career.
Coaching Insight
Coach Marco Sturm, who has overseen the Bruins’ defensive schemes, said the volume of penalty‑kill minutes had become excessive, and trimming the load should help McAvoy stay fresh while keeping the unit effective.
To ease the burden, the Bruins acquired Will Borgen, whose 2 minutes and 13 seconds of average shorthanded time per game and 165 minutes and 47 seconds of penalty‑kill ice time last season provide a capable alternative on the kill.
While Nikita Zadorov, the only Bruin to exceed McAvoy’s shorthanded minutes with 214 minutes and 22 seconds, has also led the league in penalty minutes for two straight seasons, defenseman Hampus Lindholm joined McAvoy as a top shorthanded contributor during the postseason.
The Bruins’ penalty kill, which had ranked 24th in the NHL for two consecutive years, surged to a 95.8% success rate in the playoffs, highlighted by a 23‑for‑24 performance against the Sabres that limited the opponent to a single goal.
Despite the improvements, the club plans to retain McAvoy on the penalty kill but will continue to adjust his role, ensuring he remains sharp for even‑strength play and the rigors of a long season.