Boston Bruins News

The Bruins have been stout defensively to start the season, allowing just 22 goals in 10 games, but they haven't leaned hard on rookie Michael DiPietro. That said, DiPietro has played well in limited action, including saving 26 of 28 shots (.929 SV%) in his most recent outing, a 4-2 win over the Anaheim Ducks for his first career win. The Bruins enter Thursday's contest as -140 home favourites against a Nashville Predators team that has scored two or fewer goals in three of their last four games (1-1-2).

The Bruins have been stout defensively to start the season, allowing just 22 goals in 10 games, but they haven't leaned hard on rookie Michael DiPietro. That said, DiPietro has played well in limited action, including saving 26 of 28 shots (.929 SV%) in his most recent outing, a 4-2 win over the Anaheim Ducks for his first career win. The Bruins enter Thursday's contest as -140 home favourites against a Nashville Predators team that has scored two or fewer goals in three of their last four games (1-1-2).

Khusnutdinov was drafted 37th overall by the Minnesota Wild in the 2020 NHL Entry Draft and has spent the past couple seasons with the Bruins. The 24-year-old Russian forward has five points (2G / 3A) in 10 games this season.

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2026-10-21T20:03:21.842Z

Pavel Zacha (upper body) will return from a one-game absence, resulting in Kuraly being a healthy scratch. The 33-year-old Kuraly is averaging 12:45 time-on-ice and has zero points in four games.

Zacha did not play in Boston's previous game due to an upper-body injury, but will return on Tuesday against the Dallas Stars. The 29-year-old Czech forward was held without a point in his first four games of the season, but has five points (2G / 3A) in four games since. Sean Kuraly will be a healthy scratch to make room for Zacha.

Jeremy Swayman had a miserable 2024-25 season after signing a massive eight-year contract extension, posting an ugly 3.11 GAA and .892 SV% in 58 games (22-29-7). The organization had concerns about the contract, but he followed it up with a solid 2025-26 season, posting a 2.71 GAA and .907 SV% in 55 games (31-18-4). Now, the 27-year-old goalie seems to be continuing his upward trajectory, opening the season with an outstanding 1.85 GAA and .934 SV% in seven games (6-1-0). The Bruins enter Tuesday's action as +146 road underdogs against a Dallas Stars team with points in five of their last six games (4-1-1).

Nikita Zadorov will re-enter Boston's lineup on Tuesday, sending Aspirot to the press box as a healthy scratch. The 27-year-old Aspirot is averaging 16:58 time-on-ice and has zero points in four games this season.

Jonathan Aspirot will be a healthy scratch on Tuesday, allowing Zadorov to re-enter the lineup. The 31-year-old defenseman is averaging 19:52 time-on-ice, recording three assists, 31 hits, and 29 penalty minutes in eight games this season.

Zacha did not play in Boston's previous game due to an upper-body injury, and his status for Tuesday's game against the Dallas Stars remains uncertain. The 29-year-old Czech forward was held without a point in his first four games of the season, but has five points (2G / 3A) in four games since.

Jeremy Swayman has been terrific to start the 2026-27 season, giving little reason for the Bruins to deviate, but with an impending back-to-back, they turn to rookie Michael DiPietro on Friday. The 27-year-old DiPietro was serviceable in his only game this season, saving 26 of 29 shots (.897 SV%) in a 4-1 loss to the Minnesota Wild. The Bruins enter Friday's contest as -104 road underdogs against a 4-2-0 Anaheim Ducks team.

Jeremy Swayman had a miserable 2024-25 season after signing a massive eight-year contract extension, posting an ugly 3.11 GAA and .892 SV% in 58 games (22-29-7). The organization had concerns about the contract, but he followed it up with a solid 2025-26 season, posting a 2.71 GAA and .907 SV% in 55 games (31-18-4). Now, the 27-year-old goalie seems to be continuing his upward trajectory, opening the season with an outstanding 1.79 GAA and .932 SV% through five games (4-1-0). The Bruins enter Tuesday's contest as -120 road favourites against a San Jose Sharks team that has scored just four goals in their last three games (0-2-1).

McAvoy was suspended after the Bruins were eliminated from the playoffs last season for slashing Zach Benson in Game 6. The Bruins have played well in McAvoy's absence, outscoring their opponents 20-13 in their first six games (4-2-0), but will be eager to have their top-unit power-play quarterback back.