Bruins vs. Hurricanes: New Faces Fuel B's Hot Streak

Boston Welcomes Carolina with Roster Overhaul Amid Injury Woes

The Boston Bruins look to extend their stellar form when they host the Carolina Hurricanes at TD Garden on Monday night. Coming off an 8-2-0 stretch, including a gritty 3-2 win over Montreal, the B's enter this matchup with significant roster changes due to injuries and promotions from the AHL.

Bruins' New-Look Roster: Blümel and Tufte Make Debuts

Two key forward promotions highlight Boston's adjustments. Matěj Blümel and Riley Tufte were recalled from Providence, while veterans Viktor Arvidsson and Casey Mittelstadt landed on injured reserve with lower-body injuries. The biggest blow is the absence of captain Charlie McAvoy, who suffered a facial injury in Saturday's game.

"He is with the doctors now. There's no timeline. Obviously, he is going to be out tonight," head coach Marco Sturm confirmed. "We have to wait and see."

Tufte, a towering 6'6" forward, is projected to join Sean Kuraly and Mikey Eyssimont on the fourth line. The 23-year-old has been dominant in Providence, posting 16 points (8G, 8A) in 13 games. "You obviously don't like seeing injuries up here, but it gives me an opportunity to come in and show what I can do," Tufte stated.

Blümel, signed in July, reunites with Czech countryman Pavel Zacha on the second line. The 25-year-old has 13 points (2G, 11A) in Providence this year. "He is a great person, great player, too. Also, he's from Czech, so that helps," Blümel said of Zacha. "I can't wait for the game tonight."

Hurricanes Seeking Consistency After OT Loss

Carolina enters Monday's contest on a 3-2-0 stretch but fell 4-3 in overtime to Edmonton on Saturday. Eric Robinson, Nikolaj Ehlers, and Jordan Staal found the net, while Frederik Andersen made 19 saves.

The Hurricanes boast a formidable top line featuring Sebastian Aho (18 points), Andrei Svechnikov, and Seth Jarvis (team-leading 10 goals). Jarvis and Aho lead the team in power-play goals. Defenseman Shayne Gostisbehere anchors the blue line with 12 points (1G, 11A), averaging 17:23 of ice time.

Goaltending Battle and Key Matchups

Jeremy Swayman is expected to start for Boston after back-to-back wins against Toronto. The 25-year-old owns a 2.99 GAA and .902 save percentage this season. His counterpart, Frederik Andersen, has been steady with a .909 save percentage.

Special teams could decide this contest. Boston's penalty kill has been elite, going 7-for-7 against Montreal. Carolina's power play features Aho, Svechnikov, Jarvis, Ehlers, and Gostisbe on the top unit.

Projected Lineups

Boston Bruins:
FORWARDS: Morgan Geekie - Marat Khusnutdinov - David Pastrnak | Alex Steeves - Pavel Zacha - Matěj Blümel | Tanner Jeannot - Fraser Minten - Mark Kastelic (4G, 3A in last 4G) | Riley Tufte - Sean Kuraly - Mikey Eyssimont
DEFENSE: Nikita Zadorov - Henri Jokiharju | Hampus Lindholm - Andrew Peeke | Jonathan Aspirot - Mason Lohrei (4 points in 4G)
GOALIES: Jeremy Swayman

Carolina Hurricanes:
FORWARDS: Sebastian Aho - Andrei Svechnikov - Seth Jarvis | Jordan Staal - Martin Necas - Jesper Fast | Jack Roslovic - Jordan Martinook - Ryan Dzingel | Steven Lorentz - Jordan Harris - Brendan Lemieux
DEFENSE: Brett Pesce - Tony DeAngelo | Jalen Chatfield - Jake Bean | Shayne Gostisbehere - Dylan Coghlan
GOALIES: Frederik Andersen

Final Thoughts

With both teams trending in opposite directions—Boston surging and Carolina seeking consistency—this Atlantic Division clash promises intensity. The Bruins' new additions must adapt quickly against a Hurricanes team that thrives on physical play. Expect Swayman to face early pressure as Carolina tests Boston's reshuffled defense in what could be a pivotal early-season showdown.