By: Ryan Bosworth | Follow me on Twitter/X @RyanJBosworth
The Boston Bruins have forced a game six back in Boston after a thrilling 2-1 overtime victory, thanks to none other than David Pastrnak. Now they head back home for another do-or-die game in game six. With it, also comes the opportunity to right their wrongs from games three and four.
“Just be loud, please, and be patient. We’re going to shoot the puck, don’t worry,” Pastrnak said postgame, when asked if he had a message for the fans at home. A simple, yet true statement, and one that’s extremely reflecting of what the Bruins looked like at home, especially in game four.
Outshot by an embarrassingly wide margin in the first period in game four — where Buffalo put up one less goal than the Bruins put up shots. Now, thanks to a strong effort and response after a sad showing on Sunday, the Bruins have a prime opportunity to show up for their fans the way they’ve done in Buffalo.
The losing on home ice tracks back to the 2023 first-round matchup with the Florida Panthers. Boston won one game at home that series, and two on the road. Their last home playoff win came in game seven of their 2024 first-round matchup against the Toronto Maple Leafs. Of their last 13 home playoff games, they’ve won just three times.
The Bruins understand the task ahead, as well. The boos were reigning down — and rightfully so — and reaching a point where Buffalo was receiving a louder ovation.
“It was embarrassing effort in Game 4. That’s not what our fans paid money for, to come in and see us play that way. We’re glad we got that win the other night and have a chance to redeem ourselves,” Nikita Zadorov said, when asked about coming back to the Garden after Game Four.
With such high stakes, and a recent history that doesn’t favor them, the Bruins certainly have their work cut out for them. The obvious question: will they be able to face their demons and come out on top? It’s really yet to be seen. Let’s look ahead to the Bruins’ 7:30 p.m. puck drop, with lines and updates ahead of the game:
Lineup
The Bruins will be rolling with the same lineup from Game Five, which saw Henri Jokiharju and Alex Steeves make their Stanley Cup Playoff debuts. Along with the addition of Steeves and Jokiharju, we saw the typical lines go in the blender, and it saw some changes all over the top three lines.
Viktor Arvidsson is still not available for tonight’s game, but he did skate today ahead of the Bruins’ optional skate at Warrior Ice Arena. Head coach Marco Sturm commented on the right winger, stating that him skating this morning was a good sign should the Bruins fight to see another day.
Of course, Jeremy Swayman will be between the pipes, and the Bruins’ netminder has been fantastic all series, largely keeping the team in the series as he did all regular season. Through five playoff games, Swayman has recorded a goals against average of 2.87 and a save percentage of .910%, and that’s after allowing six goals in Game Four.
Puck drop is set for 7:30 p.m. EST, and it can be seen on ESPN and NESN, and heard called on the radio at 98.5 The Sports Hub.
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