The Boston Bruins kicked off their 2025-26 NHL campaign with a statement win, defeating the Washington Capitals 3-1 in a night packed with milestones, drama, and a dash of history-making on the bench.
Marco Sturm’s Debut: A New Era Begins
All eyes were on Marco Sturm as he stepped behind the bench for his first game as head coach of the Bruins. Sturm, who became the
first German-born head coach in NHL history after being hired in June, wasted no time making his mark. His team delivered a disciplined, energetic performance that set the tone for what Bruins fans hope will be a memorable season.
Pastrnak’s Power Play
David Pastrnak was the undisputed star of the night, notching a goal and two assists. His offensive spark broke open a scoreless game in the second period, firing a wrist shot through traffic to give Boston the lead. Pastrnak’s vision and poise were on full display, especially when he set up Elias Lindholm for a crucial power-play goal just 38 seconds after the Capitals had tied the game in the third period.
Capitals Push Back, But Bruins Respond
The Capitals, also opening their season, showed resilience.
Tom Wilson tied the game early in the third with a sharp finish off a feed from Jakob Chychrun. But the Bruins answered almost instantly—Lindholm’s backhander on the rush, courtesy of Pastrnak, restored Boston’s lead and silenced the home crowd.
Swayman Stands Tall
Goaltender
Jeremy Swayman was a wall for Boston, turning aside 35 shots and making several key saves, especially late in the game as Washington pressed with an extra attacker. His calm presence allowed the Bruins to weather the Capitals’ surges and maintain control.
Key Moments and Takeaways
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Morgan Geekie sealed the win with an empty-net goal at 19:02 of the third, capping a night where he and Lindholm both contributed a goal and an assist.
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Logan Thompson made 18 saves for Washington, including a highlight-reel stop on Viktor Arvidsson’s breakaway in the second period.
- The Bruins’ special teams looked sharp, converting on a key power play and killing off crucial penalties.
What’s Next?
With a new coach at the helm and their stars firing, the Bruins have set an early standard in the Eastern Conference. The Capitals, meanwhile, will look to regroup and build chemistry as the season unfolds.
Expert Insight: Marco Sturm’s debut couldn’t have gone much better. His ability to get immediate buy-in from the roster, especially on defense and special teams, bodes well for Boston’s playoff ambitions. For Washington, the flashes of offensive creativity are promising, but tightening up defensively will be key in the weeks ahead.
Sources
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4. Preseason RECAP: Another Come from Behind W for Boston!
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6. The Best Free Super Bowl Contests for 2025 - Sports Betting Dime
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8. Using Advanced Stats for College Football Bets
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