(Photo Courtesy of San Diego Union-Tribune) “Bruins players celebrate goal during game versus Canadiens as they make history.”

Sarah Mahannah
Connector Editor

The Boston Bruins had a spectacular end to their historic season with a win against the Montreal Canadiens. Also featured in that game was former River Hawks ice hockey captain Lucas Condotta, who scored his first NHL goal against the Bruins on Thursday night.

The Bruins hold the best record in NHL history at 65-12-5 over the regular season. Right now, the teams closest to matching the record in the league are the New Jersey Devils and Carolina Hurricanes, who are both 13 wins behind Boston.

Last week, the Bruins faced off against the Philadelphia Flyers, Washington Capitals and Montreal Canadiens. Their 5-2 victory against the Capitals on Tuesday night led them to have the most wins in an NHL season in the league’s history, passing the record previously held by the Detroit Red Wings in 1995 and tied by the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2018. The Bruins also hold the record for most points in a season (135).

This was not the only record set Tuesday night; goalie Linus Ullmark gained his 40th win of the season, now tying former goalie Pete Peeters for the most wins in a season in Bruins’ history. Ullmark is also the fastest goaltender to achieve this record, which was previously held by goaltender Braden Holtby of the Washington Capitals, who did it in 52 games.

The Bruins last regular-season game ended with a score of 5-4 in Boston’s favor. They started the game by trailing the Canadiens, which lasted until the third period, with goals from forward Lucas Condotta, center Nick Suzuki and forward Michael Pezetta of the Canadiens, and only two goals from forward Jake DeBrusk and forward Trent Frederic. Forward David Pastrňák and center Charlie Coyle’s third-period goals would finally put the Bruins ahead.

This game was great for goaltender Jeremy Swayman, who made 30 saves and only let in four goals. Canadiens goalie Sam Montembeault made 16 saves.

This season has been amazing for Swayman and Ullmark, as both goaltenders end the season as William Jennings Trophy winners. Ullmark also made history this season when he scored his very own goal; he joined this exclusive squad back in February against the Vancouver Canucks when a pass meant for Canucks forward Brock Boeser made its way to Ullmark and he cleared it back towards the Canucks empty goal in the final seconds of the game.

This has been an impressive first season coaching the Bruins for head coach Jim Montgomery. Montgomery is a former St. Louis Blues, Montreal Canadiens, Philadelphia Flyers, San Jose Sharks and Dallas Stars player. As the former Dallas Stars head coach, he joined the Bruins in June of 2022 and replaced long-time head coach Bruce Cassidy.

The Bruins are set to start the playoffs against the Florida Panthers. Montgomery says the slate has been wiped clean for the Bruins, and they will enter the playoffs as if their record is 0-0-0 and play their hearts out. The outlook for Boston looks bright; hopefully, the Stanley Cup will come back to New England.