Boston Bruins head coach Marco Sturm faces a massive problem down the stretch, and his name is David Pastrnak.
Boston remains a wagon since before the Friday NHL trade deadline. They've continued stacking points and climbing the standings despite missing consistent production from their absolute best player.
Pastrnak has not scored a goal since January. He looks totally out of rhythm on the ice, lacking his usual dynamic jump.
For one of the premier elite goal scorers in the sport, it's extremely rare he goes this long without putting a puck in the back of the net. He typically finishes his chances with solid execution.
A 16-game scoreless drought raises major red flags across the hockey world. Rumors are swirling that the star winger is dealing with a lingering physical issue.
Is Pastrnak dealing with an injury
Mark Allred recently pointed out that the sniper clearly lacks his usual 100 percent gear. He deserves credit for battling through it, but the toll is obvious to everyone watching.
Grinding out minutes on a back-to-back is tough enough when fully healthy. When you nurse a nagging injury, your offensive output completely vanishes against heavy defensive structures.
With 74 points already banked this season, he essentially carried the top six through the winter. Without Pastrnak producing at an elite rate, the Bruins would not sit where they do in the standings today.
He's still logging a massive 20:26 ATOI every night while facing top shutdown pairings. Losing him entirely would shatter their depth and their overall transition game.
Over his NHL career, the winger rarely experiences these types of extended dry spells. Boston desperately relies on his lethal shot to anchor their power play from the left circle.
Fans just hope this mysterious ailment isn't anything major. Any structural damage to his wrist or shoulder would immediately sink their Stanley Cup aspirations.
Sturm requires a fully healthy roster to survive the grueling Eastern Conference gauntlet. Getting their top goal scorer back to full speed remains the absolute top priority.
Will David Pastrnak be 100 percent healthy for the NHL Playoffs?
Voting closed


















