Bruins Aim to Snap Losing Streak on Moms Trip Against Lightning

The Boston Bruins are set to face the Tampa Bay Lightning on Thursday night in the first game of their annual Moms Trip, hoping to end a five-game losing streak. The Bruins (20-18-5, 45 points) hold a slim one-point lead over the Lightning (21-15-2, 44 points) in the Atlantic Division standings, though Tampa has five games in hand. The game, scheduled for 7 p.m. ET, will be broadcast on NESN and 98.5 The Sports Hub.

The Lightning, currently holding the top wild card spot in the Eastern Conference, are coming off a 3-2 victory over the Carolina Hurricanes on Tuesday, which snapped their own four-game losing streak. Nikita Kucherov leads Tampa with 56 points (17 goals, 39 assists) in 36 games, while Brayden Point tops the team with 24 goals.

Bruins captain Brad Marchand emphasized the importance of the matchup, stating, ‘We’ve had a really good rivalry with Tampa for a while now. But their team, we understand how dangerous they are. You can’t sleep on them. It’s a game you can’t be sloppy. They can make something out of nothing. Very dangerous, some of the best talent in the league.’

Interim coach Joe Sacco expressed optimism that the Moms Trip could provide a morale boost for the team. ‘There’s a lot of energy right now in the morning,’ Sacco said. ‘Hopefully that helps the guys. It’s a special time whenever you can get involved with a trip like this and have your moms around.’

Adding to the family theme, Bruins forward Morgan Geekie will face his younger brother, Conor Geekie, for the first time in their NHL careers. Conor, the 11th overall pick in the 2020 NHL Draft, has recorded 11 points (five goals, six assists) in 37 games during his rookie season with the Lightning. ‘It’s gonna be fun,’ Morgan said. ‘It’s our first time playing, we never really were close enough in age to play against each other.’

The Bruins will start goaltender Jeremy Swayman, who has a 13-14-3 record this season with a .893 save percentage and a 2.92 goals-against average. Despite recent struggles, Swayman has posted a .921 save percentage or better in three of his last four appearances.