New Jersey Devils Face Boston Bruins in NHL Game 82 The New Jersey Devils, with a record of 42 wins, 36 losses, and 3 overtime losses, will take on the Boston Bruins, who sit at 44-27-10, in Game 82 of the 2025-26 NHL season. The matchup is set for 7:00 PM EDT, with the broadcast available on MSG and the Devils Hockey Network radio channel. The game will be streamed to fans across the region, offering a chance to witness the rivalry between two Eastern Conference teams vying for playoff positioning. The Devils, currently ranked 7th in the league, have shown resilience throughout the season but face a formidable challenge against the Bruins, who hold the 3rd seed in the Atlantic Division. The Bruins’ strong record, bolstered by their offensive firepower and defensive stability, makes them a dangerous opponent. For the Devils, the game represents a critical opportunity to close the gap in the standings and secure a playoff berth. The game preview highlights the importance of momentum for both teams. The Devils, despite their strong regular-season performance, have struggled to maintain consistency in high-stakes matchups. The Bruins, on the other hand, have demonstrated a knack for delivering in crucial moments, with their veteran core leading the way. Analysts have pointed to the Bruins’ ability to adapt to different opponents as a key factor in their success this season. The atmosphere during the game will be shaped by the teams’ recent performances. The Devils, who have faced challenges in maintaining their offensive output, will need to rely on their depth and defensive structure to neutralize the Bruins’ star players. The Bruins, meanwhile, will look to capitalize on their strong power play and penalty kill efficiency to secure a win.#boston_bruins #new_jersey_devils #nhl #atlantic_division #game_82
NHL Playoff Preview: 15 Games to Watch on Supreme Saturday The 2026 Stanley Cup playoffs kick off with a packed schedule of 15 games on Supreme Saturday, as teams vie for playoff berths and crucial positioning in the postseason bracket. With nine spots already secured, including the league’s top seed and the Metro Division champion, the day promises high stakes and potential shifts in the playoff landscape. Here’s a breakdown of each matchup and its implications. The Tampa Bay Lightning, already locked into the playoffs, face the Boston Bruins in a game that could reshape the Atlantic Division standings. Tampa Bay trails the Montreal Canadiens by two points for second place and the Buffalo Sabres by four for first. A win would bolster their divisional position, potentially setting up a first-round clash against the Bruins if Boston secures a wild-card spot. Boston, meanwhile, needs a victory to clinch a playoff berth, as a loss could complicate the race for remaining spots. The Ottawa Senators and New York Islanders clash in a game that could determine the second wild-card spot in the East. Ottawa holds a three-point edge over the Islanders, but the Red Wings remain a threat to overtake them. A win for Ottawa would prevent the Islanders from securing the wild-card berth, though New York still has a path via the Metro Division’s No. 3 seed. The Islanders, one point behind the Flyers for the Metro’s third seed, need a strong finish to their season to earn a playoff spot. The Washington Capitals and Pittsburgh Penguins matchup carries playoff significance for both teams. The Penguins are already locked into the Metro’s No. 2 seed, but the Capitals, three points behind the Flyers, need a strong finish to secure a playoff berth.#tampa_bay_lightning #boston_bruins #stanley_cup_playoffs #nhl_playoffs #supreme_saturday
NHL Playoff Standings and Bracket Updates for 2026 Season As of March 25, 2026, the NHL playoff race has seen several teams make significant moves in the standings. A busy 15-game schedule on March 24 resulted in three teams advancing in their respective playoff races. The Buffalo Sabres, in particular, are positioned to challenge for the top seed in the Eastern Conference. With a strong performance since December 9, the Sabres have gone 33-6-5 under their new general manager, Jarmo Kekalainen, who took over two games into their winning streak. This change comes as the team aims to end a 14-game playoff drought. The Sabres currently lead the Atlantic Division by two points over the Tampa Bay Lightning and are set to play two more games by the end of the day. Their upcoming match against the Boston Bruins on Wednesday night could see them move into the top seed if they secure a win. Meanwhile, the idle Carolina Hurricanes would be overtaken by the Sabres in the standings if the latter triumphs. Other notable developments include the Ottawa Senators securing a second wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference and the Edmonton Oilers and Columbus Blue Jackets moving into second place in their divisions. If these teams maintain their positions, they would hold home-ice advantage in the first round of the playoffs. The New York Rangers remain in contention but face elimination if they lose their game against the Toronto Maple Leafs. The NHL schedule for March 25 features two key matchups: the Bruins vs. Sabres game, which ended in overtime with a 4-3 Bruins victory, and the Maple Leafs vs. Sabres game, which also concluded in a 4-3 Maple Leafs win.#tampa_bay_lightning #boston_bruins #buffalo_sabres #carolina_hurricanes #jarmo_kekalainen
Stanley Cup Playoffs Buzz: Sabres Can Take Over 1st in East The NHL regular season is entering its final stretch, with 23 days remaining and playoff races intensifying. The top three teams in each division and the next two highest finishers in each conference will secure postseason berths. Key matchups and standings shifts are shaping the playoff picture, with several teams vying for crucial positions. Buffalo Sabres and Boston Bruins are set to clash in a pivotal game, with the Sabres holding a chance to claim first place in the Eastern Conference. Buffalo, currently at 44-20-7, is on a five-game point streak and has an NHL-best 12-1-1 record since returning from the 2026 Winter Olympic break. A win would propel them past the Carolina Hurricanes for the conference lead, while they remain two points ahead of the Tampa Bay Lightning in the Atlantic Division. The Bruins, at 39-24-8, are one point ahead of the Ottawa Senators for the first wild card spot in the East. Bruins forward David Pastrnak, who has 48 points (18 goals, 30 assists) in 44 games against the Sabres, has never reached 50 points against a single team in the league. Meanwhile, the New York Rangers face a critical test against the Toronto Maple Leafs. A loss for the Rangers would eliminate them from playoff contention, as they trail the Maple Leafs by one game. The Maple Leafs, at 30-29-13, have won four of their past five games and are eighth in the Atlantic Division. Other developments include the Ottawa Senators moving into the second wild card spot in the East after a 3-2 victory over the Detroit Red Wings. Despite missing five defensemen due to injury, the Senators secured their fourth consecutive win, with Carter Yakemchuk and Brady Tkachuk each contributing a goal and assist.#new_york_rangers #boston_bruins #toronto_maple_leafs #buffalo_sabres #ottawa_senators
Buffalo Sabres Set to Return to NHL Playoffs After 13-Year Hiatus The Buffalo Sabres, who last participated in the Stanley Cup playoffs on April 26, 2011, with a 5-2 loss to the Philadelphia Flyers, are poised to make a long-awaited return to postseason action. Fans in the Buffalo area have been eagerly anticipating this moment, and the team’s strong performance this season has made their playoff berth seem increasingly likely. The Sabres are now in position to potentially secure the Atlantic Division title, which would set the stage for their first-round playoff matchup. The team’s potential opponents in the first round have been identified based on current standings and probability projections. According to Stathletes, the five most likely teams the Sabres could face are the Montreal Canadiens (32.64%), Ottawa Senators (23.96%), Boston Bruins (22.19%), Detroit Red Wings (10.80%), and New York Islanders (3.40%). The Sabres will play four of these five teams in their remaining schedule, including a crucial matchup against the Bruins on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. (TNT). The team has a record of 1-1-1 against the Bruins this season. Sabres fans may be hoping to avoid a matchup against the Bruins, as the team has a better record against the Senators, Red Wings, and Islanders (2-0-0) compared to the Canadiens (2-2-0). However, the Sabres’ recent surge in performance has raised hopes that they could advance regardless of their opponent. With 12 games remaining before the regular season concludes on April 16, the team’s focus will be on maintaining their momentum and securing a strong position in the playoffs. The NHL playoff race is shaping up to be highly competitive, with several teams vying for playoff spots and the top draft pick in the 2026 NHL draft.#boston_bruins #detroit_red_wings #buffalo_sabres #montreal_canadiens #ottawa_senators
Victor Hedman Takes Temporary Leave from Lightning for Personal Reasons Tampa Bay Lightning captain Victor Hedman has taken a temporary leave of absence from the team for personal reasons, according to an announcement made by the organization on Wednesday. The 35-year-old defenseman, who has been a key figure for the Lightning, has missed the past three games after leaving the team during the first period of a 6-2 victory over the Vancouver Canucks on March 19 due to an illness. This marks another setback in a season already impacted by recurring injuries. Hedman has managed to contribute 17 points (one goal, 16 assists) in 33 games this season, but his availability has been limited by a combination of health issues. Earlier in the year, he missed a total of 34 games across two separate stints due to an elbow injury that required surgery on December 15. After a lengthy recovery, he returned for the 2026 Navy Federal Credit Union NHL Stadium Series against the Boston Bruins on February 1, playing 10 minutes and 18 seconds in a 6-5 shootout win. The Lightning, currently sitting in second place in the Atlantic Division with a record of 44-21-5, are two points behind the Buffalo Sabres and have one game in hand. Their next matchup is against the Seattle Kraken on Thursday, scheduled for 7 p.m. ET. Hedman’s absence adds to the challenges the team faces as they aim to maintain their position in the division. Hedman’s season has also been affected by international commitments. He joined Team Sweden for the 2026 Winter Olympics but missed their 2-1 overtime loss to Team USA in the quarterfinals due to a lower-body injury sustained during warmups. Despite this, he recovered in time to return to the Lightning’s lineup on February 25, skating in their first 12 games after the break before his latest absence.#tampa_bay_lightning #boston_bruins #nhl #buffalo_sabres #victor_hedman
Marco Sturm Opens Up On Bruins Potentially Adding James Hagens The Boston Bruins may soon add James Hagens to their roster after the conclusion of his college season at Boston College. Hagens was selected seventh overall in the 2025 NHL Draft and returned to Boston College for the year. With his collegiate season now over, there were rumors he could sign with the Bruins, but no official moves have been made yet. Bruins head coach Marco Sturm addressed the possibility of Hagens joining the team during a post-practice interview. When asked about the potential addition, Sturm expressed openness to the idea. “It’s always a challenge for everyone,” he said. “The good thing is with me, over the past, especially in Ontario, I always had college kids coming in. Maybe not (the skill of) Hagens, but they were college kids at the end of the day, they hadn’t played against men. It’s always a challenge, but I’m prepared if it happens.” Hagens, who played for Boston College this past season, finished with 23 goals and 24 assists for 47 points in 34 games. His performance earned him a spot among the top 10 candidates for the Hobey Baker Memorial Award, an honor given to the nation’s best college hockey player. If signed, Hagens could contribute as a top-six forward, bringing speed and skill to the Bruins’ lineup. Despite Sturm’s openness, no formal agreement has been reached. The Bruins are set to face the Toronto Maple Leafs in a home game on Tuesday, marking their next scheduled contest. More NHL: Analyst Gives Bruins Positive Prediction On Potential James Hagens Impact#boston_bruins #boston_college #marco_sturm #james_hagens #hobey_baker_memorial_award
Bruins Sign James Hagens to AHL Amateur Tryout Agreement Boston Bruins general manager Don Sweeney confirmed today that the team has signed forward James Hagens to an AHL amateur tryout agreement. The move allows Hagens to join the Providence Bruins for additional development at the professional level while remaining eligible for NHL opportunities. Sweeney expressed enthusiasm about the signing, emphasizing Hagens’ potential as a key part of the organization’s future. Hagens, 19, will participate in the Providence Bruins’ team practice at Amica Mutual Pavilion on March 24. The forward was selected by Boston in the first round, seventh overall, of the 2025 NHL Entry Draft. During his collegiate season with Boston College, Hagens played in 34 games, leading Hockey East in scoring with 23 goals and 24 assists for 47 points. He also tallied six game-winning goals, two hat tricks, and 133 shots on goal. Recognized for his impact, Hagens was named to the Hockey East All-Rookie Team after recording 37 points (11 goals, 26 assists) in the 2024-25 season. Over two seasons with Boston College, he accumulated 34 goals and 50 assists for 84 points in 71 games. Before joining the college team, Hagens spent two seasons with the United States National Team Development Program (USNTDP), where he amassed 72 goals and 115 assists for 187 points—ranking fifth in program history. Hagens has represented the U.S. internationally in multiple tournaments, including the IIHF World Junior Championships (2025, 2026) and the IIHF U-18 Men’s World Championships (2023, 2024). He earned gold medals at the 2025 World Juniors and the 2023 U-18 tournament. In the 2024 U-18 championship, Hagens set the single-tournament scoring record with 22 points, winning MVP honors and helping the U.S. secure silver.#don_sweeney #boston_bruins #providence_bruins #james_hagens #amica_mutual_pavilion
Bruins Coach Discusses Lineup Decisions as Hagens' Pro Deal Lingers James Hagens, the seventh overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, remains in limbo as he awaits a decision on his professional contract with the Boston Bruins. The 19-year-old forward, who concluded his sophomore season at Boston College during the Hockey East semifinals, has yet to finalize an agreement with the Bruins. While he could potentially return to Boston College for a junior season, his college career has already provided ample proof of his talent, leaving little incentive to delay his pro transition. Hagens’ 2025-26 season saw him tally 47 points—23 goals and 24 assists—in 34 games, contributing to Boston College’s first Beanpot title since 2016. As a top-10 Hobey Baker Award finalist, his progression has positioned him as a prime candidate for an immediate NHL leap. However, the timing of his entry into professional hockey remains a point of contention. The Bruins face a strategic dilemma: signing Hagens to an entry-level contract (ELC) and having him report directly to the NHL could provide an immediate boost to their forward depth, especially with 12 regular-season games remaining. Alternatively, keeping him in the AHL with the Providence Bruins might allow the team to evaluate his readiness for the NHL while preserving flexibility with his contract. This approach could also delay his first NHL paycheck, potentially impacting his long-term earning potential. The Bruins’ approach may draw parallels to Charlie McAvoy’s path. McAvoy, a former Boston University standout, initially signed an amateur tryout with the Providence Bruins in 2017 before earning his ELC and breaking into the NHL during the playoffs.#boston_bruins #providence_bruins #marco_sturm #james_hagens #hockey_east
Boston Bruins Set for High-Stakes Atlantic Division Showdown Against Detroit Red Wings The Boston Bruins are preparing for a crucial matchup against the Detroit Red Wings on Saturday night, with the game serving as a key battle for playoff positioning in the Atlantic Division. Both teams currently hold onto the Wild Card spots in the NHL standings, and the contest carries significant weight as the Ottawa Senators and other contenders close in on the race. Bruins head coach Marco Sturm emphasized the importance of the game, noting its playoff-like intensity and the need for his team to perform at its best. Sturm expressed enthusiasm for the challenge, highlighting the competitive nature of the matchup. “You love it,” he said in pregame comments. “We want to be in that spot, and guys worked very hard to be in that spot, too. We better enjoy it. So far, I feel the guys enjoy it, too. Even in close games, we feel really comfortable.” He also praised the atmosphere of the game, noting the significance of facing a strong opponent. “Being in this building, too, is something special as well. Playing against a good team. Should be a good one tonight.” The Bruins plan to stick with their established line combinations, which proved effective in their recent 6-1 victory over the Winnipeg Jets. However, Sturm acknowledged the Red Wings’ strength, stressing that the team must be fully prepared for a tough test. “They’re a good team,” he said. “It showed in the standings, it showed in our pre-scout, it showed every time we played against them. It is always very tight games. I expect that again tonight. Very good structured team with good special teams. The details will matter tonight.” The game is scheduled for puck drop at 8 p.m. ET on Saturday, with coverage set to air on ABC.#boston_bruins #detroit_red_wings #nhl #marco_sturm #atlantic_division
Need to Know: Bruins at Red Wings The Boston Bruins and Detroit Red Wings are set to face off on Saturday at Little Caesars Arena in a crucial matchup that could determine their playoff fate. Both teams currently sit at fourth and fifth place in the Atlantic Division, respectively, with identical 84 points in the standings. The game will be their fourth and final regular-season meeting, with the Bruins holding a 2-1 edge in the series after victories on November 29 and January 13, and a loss on December 2. Head coach Marco Sturm emphasized the significance of the contest, noting that both teams are vying for the final wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference. “You love it. We want to be in that spot, and guys worked very hard to be in that spot, too. We better enjoy it,” Sturm said. He praised his players’ comfort in high-stakes situations, adding that the rivalry between the Original Six clubs adds to the game’s intensity. “Being in this building, too, it’s something special as well. Playing against a good team. Should be a good one tonight.” Sturm confirmed there will be no lineup changes for the Bruins, relying on his current roster to secure the two points. He acknowledged the Red Wings’ strength, citing their consistent performance in the standings and previous matchups. “They’re a good team. It showed in the standings, it showed in our pre-scout, it showed every time we played against them. It is always very tight games,” he said. The coach stressed the importance of attention to detail, particularly in key moments, as both teams have demonstrated resilience in close contests. The 8 p.m. puck drop marks the final opportunity for the Bruins to solidify their position in the playoff race.#boston_bruins #detroit_red_wings #marco_sturm #little_caesars_arena #atlantic_division
Lukas Reichel Set for Boston Bruins Debut Lukas Reichel, a former first-round draft pick and Olympic athlete, will make his debut with the Boston Bruins on Thursday. The 24-year-old forward, who previously struggled to establish himself with the Chicago Blackhawks, was traded to the Vancouver Canucks earlier this season before being moved to the Bruins at the NHL trade deadline. Despite being assigned to the American Hockey League (AHL) earlier in the week, Reichel was recalled on an emergency basis on Wednesday and is set to play in his first game with the Bruins when Boston hosts the Winnipeg Jets. Reichel expressed his excitement about the opportunity, stating, “It feels good. I think the boys seem really nice. Can’t wait to get to know them a little bit more. Everyone met today. I’m really excited for the game and just can’t wait to get going. … Just use my speed and don’t be afraid to try something out there. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. For me, it’s just all about being good mentally, playing with energy, play to win. Play good defensively, too.” The Bruins plan to place Reichel on their third line, pairing him with Elias Lindholm and Morgan Geekie, while Mikey Eyssimont will sit out. Head coach Marco Sturm emphasized the importance of Reichel playing naturally, stating, “Just kind of be himself. I don’t want him to be a hero tonight. I don’t want him to be any different. He’s here for a reason, because he will give us, hopefully, a little bit of speed and skill.” Sturm added that Reichel’s performance in the AHL, where he played several strong games, justified the recall. “He played some really good games in Providence. I like that. I think that’s where we’re always looking at calling guys up – they have to earn it.#lukas_reichel #vancouver_canucks #boston_bruins #chicago_blackhawks #mike_eyssimont
Bruins call up former 1st-round pick Lukas Reichel on emergency basis The Boston Bruins have recalled forward Lukas Reichel from the Providence Bruins on an emergency basis ahead of their home game against the Winnipeg Jets. The 23-year-old winger, acquired from the Vancouver Canucks in a trade just before the NHL trade deadline on March 6, has shown promise in his short stint with the AHL affiliate. Since joining Providence, Reichel has recorded five points (one goal, four assists) in three games, prompting the Bruins to bring him up to the NHL roster. Reichel, a former 2020 first-round pick by the Chicago Blackhawks, was traded to Vancouver in October 2025 for a 2027 fourth-round selection. His NHL career has seen limited success, with 22 goals and 59 points in 88 games across two teams. This season, he has played 19 games for Vancouver, scoring two goals and five points, while also contributing six goals and 13 points in 23 games with the Canucks’ AHL affiliate, Abbotsford. Bruins general manager Don Sweeney highlighted Reichel’s potential during the trade, noting his speed, two-position versatility, and familiarity with the team’s coaching staff. “He’s had some success, obviously a high-profile draft, great speed, two-position player,” Sweeney said. “He’s got some upside that, as a young player, I think that our guys were intrigued by to take a swing there.” The recall comes as the Bruins’ forward group struggles for scoring depth. Players like Morgan Geekie and Elias Lindholm have gone scoreless in five-on-five play over the past 11 games, leaving room for Reichel to contribute. His ability to create chances and move the puck quickly could provide a needed spark for a team looking to bolster its offensive options.#don_sweeney #lukas_reichel #boston_bruins #providence_bruins #winnipeg_jets
Boston Bruins' Playoff Push Faces Challenges After NHL Trade Deadline The Boston Bruins entered Friday with a narrow one-point edge over the Columbus Blue Jackets for the final wild card playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. However, their path to the postseason has grown more difficult after failing to make significant trades before the NHL trade deadline. The team’s decision to hold onto their playoff position, despite lacking upgrades, has sparked debate about their long-term strategy. The Bruins made two trades on deadline day, acquiring two minor league forwards from the Philadelphia Flyers and Vancouver Canucks left wing Lukas Reichel in exchange for a 2026 sixth-round pick and other assets. All three players will join the AHL’s Providence Bruins. While these moves add depth, they do little to address the team’s roster weaknesses, which could have been addressed with more aggressive trades. Many analysts and fans had doubted the Bruins’ playoff chances this season after they traded away key veterans last summer. The Original Six franchise is in a retooling phase, prioritizing long-term development over short-term success. General manager Don Sweeney acknowledged the team’s desire to improve but emphasized that their current approach aligns with their long-term goals. “We stayed committed to the process we started,” Sweeney said, noting that the team’s focus remains on building a competitive roster rather than making last-minute upgrades. Sweeney admitted the Bruins missed opportunities to acquire impact players, such as St. Louis’ Robert Thomas, who remained with his team. While adding high-end talent would be ideal for a playoff push, Sweeney argued that the team’s current roster, though lacking elite players, has shown promise.#nhl_trade_deadline #don_sweeney #boston_bruins #columbus_blue_jackets #providence_bruins
