BOSTON -- Charlie McAvoy has been on the receiving end of criticism throughout the postseason, and rightfully so.
McAvoy struggled early against both the Maple Leafs and Panthers, serving as a minus-seven across six total losses. He punctuated things with a dreadful night in Game 4 against Florida that pushed Boston toward the brink of elimination.
He wasn't good for a long stretch, but the 26-year-old's performance in Game 5 could be the start of a complete change in narrative.
McAvoy was the best player on the ice in the Bruins' season-saving victory, dishing out three hits, blocking four shots, getting six of his own on net, chipping in an assist and scoring the game-winning goal. It was the kind of game you'd expect out of a true No. 1 defenseman, and though it represented a huge shift, McAvoy didn't exactly seem surprised by his uptick.
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"You definitely -- you're never too high and never too low because any day can be your day," McAvoy said Thursday after Bruins practice. "I get another chance (Friday) to do everything I can for this team, and I can't wait."
Bruins head coach Jim Montgomery, just like a number of his players, were more complimentary and excited about what McAvoy's return to form can mean for Boston's aspirations.
"McAvoy is a real confident player, but that puck going in alleviates a lot of stuff," Montgomery said. "He's just focused on the next shift, the next moment."
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The Bruins' next moment comes Friday night at TD Garden, as they look to keep their season alive and force a decisive Game 7 in Florida. NESN has you covered with pregame and postgame coverage.
Featured image via Brian Fluharty/USA TODAY Sports Images
