Dmitry Orlov, a Russian defenseman, has etched his name into Bruins lore by becoming the first Boston defender to score in four consecutive first games of the NHL playoffs. This milestone marks a notable early impact in the postseason for the Bruins, a franchise with a deep playoff tradition in North American hockey.
At 31, Orlov added an assist in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference first-round clash against the Florida Panthers. Across the current Stanley Cup season, his production has reached five assists, underscoring his ability to contribute both on the back end and in transition for a team aiming to advance deep into May and June.
Orlov’s playoff run with Boston also places him among a select group of defensemen who have recorded a point in each of their first four playoff games for the Bruins since 1997. The ranks include players such as Chris Russell, Jack Johnson, Chris Pronger, Ryan Whitney, and Mattias Ohlund, each remembered for delivering timely offense from the blue line during crucial postseason moments.
Previously, Orlov joined Boston after being traded from the Washington Capitals toward the end of February. In his 23 appearances for the Bruins following the swap, he tallied four goals and thirteen assists, illustrating a quick integration into Boston’s system and a willingness to contribute in both zones while the team chased playoff success.
In the broader conversation around the franchise and the season, Alexander Kozhevnikov, a former Olympic champion, voiced his view that the Washington Capitals’ captain, Alexander Ovechkin, should not be blamed for Washington’s exit from the NHL playoffs this season. The comment adds a layer of perspective from a veteran voice in hockey, reflecting the complexities of team performance and leadership in the sport’s high-stakes moments.