For a lot of players, the start of the playoffs is a time to reset. And for Bruins winger Jake DeBrusk, it meant closing the door on a regular season that didn’t go exactly as he had hoped.
Jake DeBrusk shines in Bruins' Game 1 win
“I was excited to get things going. Obviously I didn't like my season,” DeBrusk said after his two-goal performance against the Toronto Maple Leafs in Game 1 Saturday night.
DeBrusk added of his regular season: “It was pretty disappointing for myself. But at this point in time, we have a chance to go for the ultimate goal and that's all that really matters."
This season, DeBrusk had 40 points, 10 fewer than last season despite playing 16 more games. He also finished the final 10 games of the regular season with only one point.
With DeBrusk’s contract with the Bruins set to expire at the end of the postseason, increased productivity in the playoffs could help DeBrusk get the payout he wants with his next deal, whether that be with Boston or elsewhere.
In Saturday’s 5-1 win over the Leafs, DeBrusk buried two power-play goals to help the Bruins extend their lead from 2-0 to 4-0 in the second period. He scored on a well-placed wrist shot from the top of the right circle and then tapped one in on the doorstep.
“Obviously it went well tonight. It’s exactly what I wanted to do in that sense,” DeBrusk said. “Definitely nice to capitalize. It gets the confidence up. But this time of year is all about staying even-keeled to be honest with you.”
DeBrusk said he is ready to reset and focus on the task at hand: winning.
“I didn't actually set any [personal] goals, I just wanted to help the team any way I can,” he said. “I just wanted to play a fast, hard forechecking style. I didn't put numbers or anything on it.”
In the past, DeBrusk has had stretches in the playoffs when he pulled his weight offensively. For instance, last playoffs DeBrusk had four goals and two assists in the Bruins’ seven-game series against the Panthers.
Early in his Bruins career, his six playoff goals tied Patrice Bergeron and David Pastrnak for most on the team during the 2017-18 postseason. That spring, DeBrusk started out with a strong series against Toronto (5 goals, 2 assists), followed by a much quieter five games vs. Tampa Bay (1g, 0a) in the second round.
This year, DeBrusk is off to another strong start against Toronto, recording a game-high three points on Saturday, as he also assisted on Brandon Carlo’s goal in addition to scoring twice himself.