Oct 8, 2025; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Boston Bruins goaltender Jeremy Swayman (1) celebrates with teammates after their sport in opposition to the Washington Capitals at Capital One Enviornment. Necessary Credit score: Geoff Burke-Imagn Photos With head coaches within the first 12 months on the helm of their respective groups, the Boston Bruins and Chicago Blackhawks determine to be constructing their video games through the early phases of the season.
The Authentic Six rivals will take the second step of their respective 82-game journeys after they meet in Boston’s dwelling opener on Thursday evening.
With a condensed NHL schedule because of the Olympic break in February, nights off is not going to be commonplace this season. The Bruins start with the distinctive problem of a back-to-back and 4 video games in six days, however a 3-1 win on the Washington Capitals on Wednesday was an important begin primarily based on coach Marco Sturm’s early-season expectations.
“I need to see development. I need to see us come collectively,” Sturm stated earlier this week. “I am not gonna say we have gotta make the playoffs or that we have gotta be in a playoff spot in November, this and that. I need my gamers to play that approach … and get that (Bruins) id again.”
There have been particular indicators of that id immediately, with the return of Charlie McAvoy (seven hits) and Hampus Lindholm from final season’s harm absences serving to to offer stability on protection.
Bodily play from new Bruins ahead Tanner Jeannot was evident, and the strong work of Jeremy Swayman (35 saves) and an ideal penalty kill (5-for-5) additionally fueled the victory.
“It is essential for our group to take the momentum that we had from coaching camp and simply proceed it,” Swayman stated. “We had nice bounce-back (after a troublesome second interval); we caught collectively. These are good indicators beginning off the common season. … We now have issues to work on. It is good.”
Whereas depth scoring shall be crucial for Boston going ahead, David Pastrnak (one aim, two assists) and linemates Elias Lindholm and Morgan Geekie (one aim, one help every) led the best way on Wednesday.
Pastrnak started his quest for a fourth straight 100-point marketing campaign and now has scored in 4 straight season openers.
“It is nice that we acquired on the board. However it’s sport one. We now have to maintain working laborious,” Pastrnak stated.
A Tuesday opener in opposition to the two-time defending Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers was a tall order for the Blackhawks, who entered the season with the second-youngest roster within the NHL by common age (26.6).
Chicago dropped a 3-2 determination however stayed within the sport all through regardless of Florida’s dominant first and third durations. Coach Jeff Blashill needs his new group to be taught and attempt for a extra constant effort going ahead.
“It’s such an unforgiving league that you need to be on high of your sport each evening,” Blashill stated. “You are not going to be excellent, I get that, however you may’t let the lows be so low. Definitely, there’s some guys that have to take that lesson.”
Frank Nazar (one aim, one help) grew to become the sixth Blackhawks participant age 21 or youthful prior to now 40 years to report a number of factors in a season opener. Linemates Teuvo Teravainen (one aim, one help) and Tyler Bertuzzi (two assists) additionally had multi-point efforts.
Former Boston School goaltender Spencer Knight made 34 saves in his first sport in opposition to his former group since becoming a member of the Blackhawks.
For now although, Chicago’s focus must be on the within.
“It does not matter who you are enjoying, we have to deal with us,” Knight stated. “We won’t simply present up once we’re enjoying Cup champions. Each group’s good on this league.”
–Subject Stage Media
