Boston Bruins Set for Home Opener Against Montreal Canadiens

The Boston Bruins are preparing to face off against the Montreal Canadiens at TD Garden for their home opener since the end of last season in May. Following a challenging first game against the Florida Panthers, the Bruins aim to secure their first win of the new season. Boston’s anticipated starting goalie, Jeremy Swayman, who was absent in their opener, will be in the net on Thursday. The team’s debut saw substitute Joonas Korpisalo allowing six goals, four of which occurred during the opening period.

This game marks the first of a three-game homestand for the Bruins, with the Los Angeles Kings and a rematch against the Florida Panthers to follow. In contrast, the Canadiens arrive in Boston riding high from a 1-0 victory over the Toronto Maple Leafs, thanks to a first-period power-play goal from Cole Caufield. Montreal’s Sam Montembeault, who made 48 significant saves, played a pivotal role in the shutout.

“The issues weren’t with our goalie,” Bruins coach Jim Montgomery commented on Korpisalo’s performance, highlighting that the defense “gave up four backdoor tap-ins.” This loss was the Bruins’ first opening game defeat since 2018, when they fell to the then-reigning Stanley Cup champions, the Washington Capitals.

Thursday’s game against Montreal is part of a demanding early-season schedule for the Bruins, who are looking to avoid a similar fate to their first matchup. Despite a shaky preseason, Montreal has shown promise, and coach Martin St. Louis has praised his team’s competitive level after Wednesday’s win.

The Canadiens are without defenseman Jayden Struble due to an upper-body injury. In the net, Montembeault’s recent signing of a three-year deal solidifies his position alongside Cayden Primeau, following Jake Allen‘s trade to the New Jersey Devils at the last trade deadline.

Young Canadiens forward Cole Caufield, wearing the number formerly belonging to Johnny Gaudreau, has made a statement with his third opening-game score, honoring the late player with a gesture to the sky.

As both teams look to adjust early in the season, the Bruins aim to capitalize on home advantage while the Canadiens aim to maintain their momentum from the previous night’s performance. Observers will be watching how the Bruins’ established play strategy fares against the evolving tactics of the Canadiens under St. Louis.