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The 2024-25 NHL season got underway stateside on Monday, and the middle of the tripleheader featured on ESPN saw the Boston Bruins head to Florida to take on the Panthers. They’ll be back on the ice tonight, this time at home, hosting the Montreal Canadiens.
The Habs have also already made their season debut, which was just last night! They hosted the Toronto Maple Leafs in one of the most classic rivalries in the history of the NHL. As we get set for tonight’s matchup, we’ve shared our best Canadiens vs. Bruins predictions.
The first matchup of last night’s slate was one of the most surprising, although there were three shutouts across the five games. It began with the Habs keeping Auston Matthews and company off the board completely.
Goaltender Sam Montembeault stood on his head, saving all 48 shots. As incredible as that is, that still doesn’t bode well for their defense, especially now that they have to start backup goalie Cayden Primeau against a strong Bruins squad. After all, Montreal did little to bolster their roster in front of the net this offseason.
Arguably, their only acquisition of note was former Columbus Blue Jacket Patrik Laine, and the winger has been injury-ridden the past few seasons now – including this one.
While the Bruins weren’t on the ice quite as recently as the Canadiens, it’s safe to say that they didn’t open up their season as hoped. Of course, it doesn’t help that they kicked off the season against the defending Stanley Cup champs on the road.
Their four goals allowed in the first period alone was a first in the franchise’s storied history, ultimately falling 6-4. However, it’s important to note that one of their biggest offseason moves was not on display. Boston extended goaltender Jeremy Swayman to an eight-year deal worth $8.25 million per year.
He’s proven himself as an elite netminder, and now, he and the Bruins just need to transition that success from the regular season into the Stanley Cup playoffs.
Of course, before we can even think about the Stanley Cup playoffs, we will focus on tonight’s matchup. In that regard, we have full confidence in the Bruins getting the job done in front of the home crowd at TD Garden in Boston.
Coming home from South Florida should be a massive relief for them. Boston has been incredible at home the past few seasons, including setting an NHL record for the most home wins to start a season just two campaigns ago.
That presents an incredibly difficult situation for the Habs, who as we’ve mentioned, were just on the ice last night. They’re already a squad that isn’t expected to make much noise this season, whereas the Bruins are still among the favorites in the Eastern Conference.
We also fully anticipate Boston goaltender Jeremy Swayman to be ready to rock tonight, which means that goals will likely be hard to come by for Montreal. For perspective on just how dominant the Bruins have been at TD Garden, their home record across the past two seasons is a whopping 58-15-9, which is easily the best in the league.
Our Pick: Bruins to win by 2+ Goals and David Pastranak to score 1+ goal.
Mark has been a lifelong fan of all sports, and five years ago turned it into a profession, specializing in the NFL, NHL and MLB. He is a diehard Baltimore Ravens fan and has had his work published in sites such as Sports Illustrated, Pickswise and other top outlets.