The Boston Bruins are set to kick off their 2024-25 season away from home. They’ll face off against the Florida Panthers on October 8.
In the lead-up to this exciting opener, the management team has some important tasks to tackle. This includes securing an extension for Jeremy Swayman. Additionally, the Bruins will need to navigate the preseason, which is slated to begin on September 22.
Following an early exit in the second round of the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs, a team with dreams of lifting the trophy must capitalize on their recent regular season achievements. With several key players joining the roster this season, let’s dive into some of the most anticipated games that every Bruins fan should keep an eye on during the first half of the 2024-25 season.
October 2024: Rivalries Renewed
Bruins vs Panthers
If the Bruins thought losing to the Panthers in back-to-back playoff seasons was tough, they now face the added sting of watching Florida raise their Stanley Cup banner on October 8, 2024, at Amerant Bank Arena. After knocking Boston out in the first round of the 2023 playoffs, the Panthers made it to the Finals. Although, they went on to fall to the Vegas Golden Knights in five games. The following season, they eliminated the Bruins again in the second round. Ultimately, they won over the Edmonton Oilers in a thrilling Game 7 to claim their first championship. The rivalry between these two teams is fierce. Boston is left to endure the sight of a championship celebration for a team that thwarted their own title hopes two years in a row, adding even more pain to their wounds.
Bruins vs Maple Leafs
The Bruins and the Toronto Maple Leafs are set to rekindle their storied rivalry sooner than expected. They will clash just three weeks into the season on a Saturday night. Following Boston’s dramatic Game 7 victory that ended the Maple Leafs’ playoff run last April, the teams will meet again at TD Garden. The Bruins aim to extend their impressive regular season unbeaten streak against their Canadian foes. This currently sits at seven straight wins dating back to the 2022-23 season.
November 2024: Old Friends
Bruins vs Senators
The Ottawa Senators have turned into a thorn in the side of the Bruins over the last two seasons. In Boston’s remarkable 65-win season in 2022-23, they suffered just 12 losses, with two of those coming at the hands of the Senators. This revived rivalry between the former Northeast Division foes has taken on a fresh twist, as former Vezina Trophy winner Linus Ullmark changed teams during the offseason. He is set to go head-to-head against his old teammate Swayman in early November at TD Garden, where he once made his mark.
Bruins vs Canucks
The most significant matchups between the Bruins and the Vancouver Canucks occurred during the 2011 Stanley Cup Final. Since that epic showdown, the clashes between these Eastern and Western teams haven’t always been must-see events. However, everything shifted on the opening day of free agency when veteran Bruins forward Jake DeBrusk made the move to the Canucks, while Elias Lindholm and Nikita Zadorov joined the ranks in Boston.
December 2024: A Centennial Culmination
Bruins vs Canadiens
The club’s Centennial celebration will reach its peak during the 2024-25 season, highlighted by the Bruins facing off against the Montreal Canadiens in the “Centennial Game” on December 1. This date marks the 100th anniversary of the club’s inaugural match against the Montreal Maroons. It’s bound to be a game a century in the making! With a host of thrilling events taking place throughout Boston, this matchup will serve as the perfect grand finale to a remarkable celebration, paving the way for the next century of hockey.