NHL Notebook: McAvoy's calendar year, an impressive feat, a legend retires

It was one year ago when Charlie McAvoy was thrust into the Bruins’ lineup and made his NHL debut during the Stanley Cup playoffs. It was an eye-opening experience for the rookie defenseman, as Boston lost in the first round to the Ottawa Senators.

Those six games helped prepare him for his first full regular season in 2017-18.

“Worked out well,” said Bruins coach Bruce Cassidy when discussing McAvoy’s baptism by fire last spring.

It didn’t take long for McAvoy’s name to be part of the Calder Trophy conversation this season, and even though he won’t win the rookie of the year (that'll most likely going to the Islanders Matt Barzal), McAvoy has quickly become one of the Bruins’ top players.

“He’s grown in the obvious areas,” Cassidy said. “He’s more of an offensive threat and he’s willing to handle the puck more and has better composure. When he came in last year, he just wanted to make a good first pass and defend hard.”



Now that he’s played an entire season, his game has grown by leaps and bounds.

“He knows what he can get away with a little more and when he can take chances,” Cassidy said. “You’re starting to see his offensive game grow, and that’ll continue into the playoffs. And next year, there will be an even bigger growth there.

“Last year, I’ve got to tell you, for a kid to come in (in that situation), he was pretty impressive in every aspect of his game.”

After McAvoy completed his collegiate season at Boston University, he signed an amateur tryout with the Providence Bruins. In the few games he played in the AHL, it was evident his game would translate to the pro level. Due to injuries on Boston’s blue line to start the postseason, McAvoy signed a pro contract and was wearing the spoked-B come playoff time.

He’s experienced plenty since his NHL debut last spring.

“There are a couple of differences,” admitted McAvoy. “Last year was a whirlwind and everything happened so fast. There were a lot of uncertainties on my end, coming in and trying to find my way, trying to find my place and see that I could do this."

He was out of the lineup twice this season, once for a heart procedure and the other due to a knee injury.

“This year’s different. Now, I have a little bit of experience. I’m coming off a year with (some) setbacks and missing some time, so it’s two completely different situations," he said. "Having that experience (from last spring) is something I’m going to have to rely on, and I'm already. I’m just trying to do everything I can to help our team be the best we can be.”

McAvoy’s only 20, but he’s already showcasing his intangibles of rising to the occasion.

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David Pastrnak's six-point performance against the Toronto Maple Leafs in Game 2 of the first-round series in the Stanley Cup playoffs deserves more recognition. It was an outstanding game for the 21-year-old forward, and he joined some impressive company with his three goals and three assists.

He became the third player in franchise history to record six points in a playoff game, joining Phil Esposito and Rick Middleton. Pastrnak also became the first Bruins player to record a hat trick in a playoff game since David Krejci in Game 4 of the 2013 quarterfinals against the Maple Leafs.

In addition, Pastrnak became the fifth player on any team in the past 20 years to record six points in a playoff game, and the first since the Flyers' Claude Giroux posted three goals and three assists in Game 2 of the 2012 quarterfinals against the Penguins.

And finally, at 21 years and 324 days, Pastrnak became the youngest player in NHL history to record at least six points in a playoff game, surpassing the Oilers' Wayne Gretzky who posted seven points (four goals and three assists) in Game 3 of the 1983 division finals at age 22 years and 81 days.

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Not one coach was fired during the regular season, which is rare, and it wasn't until the New York Rangers dismissed Alain Vigneault at season's end when there was a coaching vacancy. Now, there's another opening in Dallas after veteran bench boss and Stanley Cup winner Ken Hitchcock retired this week after 22 seasons in the league. He will remain with the Stars as a consultant.

"We were honored to have Ken as our head coach and it was fitting that he finished his coaching here," said Dallas Stars owner Tom Gaglardi. "He is a certain Hockey Hall of Fame coach and he left a lasting legacy wherever he went. He will forever be a Dallas Star and I look forward to his continued friendship."

Hitchcock finished his career with a record of 823-506-207 in 1,536 career regular-season games with Dallas, Philadelphia, Columbus and St. Louis. He's third all-time in wins and fourth in games coached. He also compiled a playoff record of 86-82 in 168 career Stanley Cup playoff appearances.

He guided Dallas to two trips to the Stanley Cup final and led the Stars to the franchise's first Stanley Cup championship in 1999.

"Ken Hitchcock is an icon when it comes to head coaches, not only in hockey, but across all of sports," stated Dallas Stars general manager Jim Nill. "He poured his whole life into better understanding in-game concepts and strategy, inspiring players and enhancing teams. He leaves an indelible mark on the game and his influence will be felt across the sport for years to come. We want to thank Ken for all that he has given throughout his coaching career."

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Every winter, youth parents, players and coaches in North America write essays as to why their hometown rink should win $150,000 in arena upgrades and host an NHL preseason game. Kraft Hockeyville USA has become an annual competition to help grow the game at the grassroots level in partnership with the NHL and NHLPA.

This week it was announced that Clinton Arena in Clinton, N.Y. is this season's recipient of the upgrades. Memorial Sports Center in Middlebury, Vt., was one of the finalists and will receive $10,000.

“Clinton brought to life the essence of this program – both on and off the rink – and showed inspiring passion to rally their community. We’re excited to celebrate this win with them later this year," said Michelle St. Jacques, head of brand marketing.