The best team in the NHL's Eastern Conference just got better.
The Boston Bruins, winners of 11 of their first 13 games entering Thursday night, welcomed star defenseman Charlie McAvoy back from injury against the Calgary Flames at TD Garden.
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McAvoy wasted no time making an impact in his 2022-23 debut, ripping a wrist shot past Calgary goaltender Dan Vladar late in the second period to break a 1-1 tie.
McAvoy's goal proved to be the game-winner, as David Pastrnak added a third-period empty-netter to secure a 3-1 victory that moved the Bruins to 12-2-0 on the season.
With McAvoy's help, the B's are a perfect 8-0-0 on home ice, tying the record for longest home winning streak to start a season in franchise history, set in 1983-84.
The Bruins have been absurdly dominant at TD Garden, where they've only trailed forĀ 15:12 of 288:25 total ice time in eight games while outscoring opponents 30-14.
McAvoy's return should bolster Boston even further; the 2022 NHL All-Star blocked two shots and delivered a team-high five hits Thursday night on the team's top d-pairing alongside MattĀ Grzelcyk.
Boston Bruins
The Bruins were expected to struggle early in the 2022-23 campaign with McAvoy, Grzelcyk and Brad Marchand sidelined to begin the season, but all three players are already back on the ice for a team that's playing stellar hockey under new head coach Jim Montgomery.