Boston Bruins Announce Strategy to Play All Regulars in Final Regular Season Game The Boston Bruins have confirmed they will field their full roster for Game 82, their regular-season finale against the New Jersey Devils on Tuesday, as they aim to conclude the campaign on a strong note ahead of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. The decision comes after the team rested several key players in their previous game, but head coach Marco Sturm emphasized the importance of maintaining momentum as the team prepares for the postseason. The Bruins, who have secured a playoff berth, will host the Devils in Game 82 at TD Garden. While the outcome of the game will not directly impact their playoff seeding—since they have already clinched a spot—the result could determine whether Boston enters the postseason as the top Wild Card team. A victory would secure the No. 1 Wild Card position, setting up a first-round matchup against the Buffalo Sabres. Sturm addressed the team’s approach during a Monday practice session, stating, “It was important to go back to winning, first of all, to feel good again. Totally different today when we came in. Guys are happy, they’re loud.” He highlighted the team’s focus on ending the regular season on a positive note, saying, “Whatever happens happens, who we are going to play – it really doesn’t matter. We want to win. We wanted to win yesterday, and we want to win tomorrow. That, I feel like, gives us the best chance to start a good playoffs.” The Bruins’ current record of 44-27-10 places them in a strong position for the playoffs, but the final game of the regular season carries added weight. Forward Pavel Zacha echoed the team’s determination, noting, “I think the mood is good. It was a big win yesterday; the guys played really well, and that’s something we need to do even tomorrow.#bostonbruins #marco_sturm #pavel_zacha #newjerseydevils #tdgarden
Boston Bruins Set for Regular-Season Finale Against Devils in Playoffs Push The Boston Bruins will host the New Jersey Devils on Tuesday at TD Garden in their final regular-season game before the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs. The matchup, scheduled for a 7 p.m. puck drop, carries significant weight as Boston, which secured a postseason berth on Saturday, aims to clinch the first wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference. Head coach Marco Sturm emphasized the importance of momentum for the team, particularly with a young roster that includes several players making their playoff debuts. “We want to win this game. I think that’s pretty clear for us,” Sturm said. “I do believe you need a little bit of momentum going in to feel good. Especially where we’re at as an organization, as a team. We still have a lot of young kids, we still have guys who have never played a playoff game before, so I think that’s going to be important.” The Bruins’ lineup includes several key players set to make an impact. James Hagens, a 19-year-old forward, will make his TD Garden debut after skating in his first NHL game on Sunday. Hagens contributed an assist in a 3-2 win over the Columbus Blue Jackets, and Sturm praised his performance, stating, “Nothing changes, that’s what I told him. Nothing changes if you’re on the road or you’re at home. You want to play the same way and have the same attitude. Just focus on your game and try to limit mistakes as much as you can. And enjoy it. I think he did a really good job in Columbus, so hopefully he can do it again tonight.” Hagens is expected to join the third line with Fraser Minten and Marat Khusnutdinov. Charlie McAvoy, Pavel Zacha, Viktor Arvidsson, and Hampus Lindholm sat out Sunday to rest, but Sturm hinted at a full lineup for Tuesday.#boston_brains #new_jersey_devils #marco_sturm #james_hagens #pavel_zacha
