Bruins complete record-breaking NHL season by surpassing all-time points tally
The Boston Bruins have now completed a near-perfect NHL season after setting a new all-time points record with a 5-2 win over the Washington Capitals on Tuesday night.
The Bruins wrapped up Easter Sunday by setting a new record for most wins ever in an NHL regular season (63) and extended their tally to 64 with a game to spare after beating the Capitals in their final home game of the regular campaign. The win took their points tally to 133, surpassing the long-lasting record of 132.
The record has been held by the Montreal Canadiens since the 1976/77 season, but the Bruins continued their dominance by smashing yet another historic total. They've broken multiple records this season, and will be hoping to complete the ultimate campaign with a Stanley Cup victory.
The Bruins have been unstoppable this season and first set the record for reaching 50 wins in the fastest time. They also earned the accolade of being the fastest team to hit 100 points, and they've now broken the all-time points record for a regular season.
The Bruins are currently 64-17 for the season, and absolutely walked their way to winning the Presidents' Trophy. One of the only records they haven't been able to achieve is goal differential, but that's a tally that may never be beaten.
NHL clash marred by ugly brawl in stands as fan sent tumbling by vicious punchDuring the season that the Canadiens hit 132 points, they finished the year with a goal differential of +216. No team has gone close since, and due to the increased quality now housed in the NHL, it's unlikely that it ever will be broken - the Bruins currently sit at +127
But the Bruins have been dominant in every other aspect, and now have one final game against the Canadiens to wrap up their regular season. With no more records to be broken - only extended - it's likely they'll take their foot off the gas to prepare for the post-season, but with how determined the Bruins are this year, you never know.
Head coach Jim Montgomery will want to keep their momentum going, as their primary focus remains the Stanley Cup. The Bruins haven't won the trophy since the 2010/11 season, and they'll have to fight an unwanted omen if they are to end their drought.
The Bruins surpassed the Detroit Red Wings and Tampa Bay Lightning for most wins in a campaign (62) on Sunday night, but both of those historic sides failed to win the Stanley Cup that year despite their regular season dominance. They remain heavy favourites, but as Montgomery has already warned his stars: "We know the hardest part is ahead of us, and we're looking forward to that grind."