Tag Archives: NHL

Boston Bruins vs New York Rangers

Game Preview: Bruins vs Rangers

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It’s been a busy few games for the Boston Bruins as they clinched a Playoff berth, Captain Zdeno Chara scored his 200th career NHL goal. and Patrice Bergeron set a new career high when he tallied his 75th point of the season during  their 5-4 loss against Tampa Bay. Despite the recent loss where the Bruins blew a 2 goal lead, the boys will be looking to get back into gear as they fight for home ice advantage in the first round of the Playoffs.

SOME UPDATES

It was announced that Torey Krug and Marcus Johansson will be returning tonight as the Boston Bruins face the New York Rangers on home ice. Matt Grzelcyk and Kevan Miller are “probable for the weekend.” Defenseman John Moore is week-to-week with an upper body injury. Moore left the Tampa Bay game and was seen wearing an arm sling.  Expect Jaroslav Halak (20-10-4) in net tonight. He comes into tonight’s game with a 2.31 goals against average, and a .924 save percentage.

Boston Bruins vs New York rangers
(Photo Credits: Get More Sports)

The Bruins are 10-5 in their last 15 games. Brad Marchand still leads the team with 94 points, and in goals (34). He also leads the team in assists with 60 (so far). David Pastrnak is now second to Marchand in goals with 33.  The top BMP line have netted over 30 goals each. The team is now five points ahead of Toronto with a 46-21-9 record.

Here were this morning’s rushes:

THE BLUESHIRTS ARE COMING!

The Rangers are coming off a 5-2 loss against the Pittsburgh Penguins and will be looking to complete their sweep of the Bruins. Boston has not lost on home ice since January 31st and if they beat the Rangers tonight, it would be their 12th straight victory at home.

Ranger’s Mika Zibanejad has 10 points in is last 12 games versus the B’s. The blueshirts are 9-1 in their last 10 games against the Bruins.  Expect Henrik Lundqvist  in net, who has won all three games (so far) this season when facing Boston. He has an 18-20-10 record wit a 2.99 goals against average with a .909 save percentage.

Boston Bruins vs New York Rangers
(Photo Credits; Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports)

QUICK STATS

Zibanejad leads the team in points (68), goals (28) and in assists (40). Chris Kreider is not too far off with 26 goals and 49 assists . Both Kreider and Marc Staal are considered day-to day as they recover from lower-body injuries. The Rangers are currently out of the Playoff picture as they are seventh in the Metro Division with a 29-33-13 record.

WHEN TO WATCH: Tonight with puck drop at 7:30 PM-TD Garden/Boston

WHERE TO WATCH: NBCSN

Follow me on Twitter @pastagrl88

Sean Kuraly

Boston Bruins Sean Kuraly Out

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The Boston Bruins announced an update this morning on center Sean Kuraly. This past Thursday, March 21st, Kuraly sustained a fracture to his right hand after blocking a slap shot from New Jersey’s Steven Santini during the third period. Dr Matt Leibman performed the surgery and recovery time is expected to be four weeks.

ANOTHER MAN DOWN

With the many injuries that have plagued this Bruins roster, Kuraly has displayed hustle, while developing chemistry on his line, especially with Chris Wagner.

sean kuraly
(Photo Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports)

“They’ve been a good pair, whether they’ve been wings with Noel or whoever gets thrown in there. Or if Sean goes to center. I think they both play the same way…Hard to play against, because of their ability to possess the puck, but also to get it behind you and make you earn your way back up the ice.”

Coach Bruce Cassidy

He came up big during the 5-0 victory over the New York Islanders this past Tuesday, netting two goals in that game. The 6-foot-2-inch center has become an important part of the Bruins shut-down line. With Kuraly out, the Bruins have recalled Providence’s Karson Kuhlman on an emergency basis.

Kuhlman made his NHL debut back on February 16th in a game against the Los Angeles Kings, and scored his first NHL goal in a game against San Jose Sharks.

OTHER BRUINS NEWS

The Boston Bruins have also announced that they signed veteran and Captain Zdeno Chara to a one-year extension through the 2019-2020 season worth $2 million, plus an additional $1.75 million in performance-based incentives.

The team is currently down in Florida where they enjoyed a day off a the Jacobs Manor. The Bruins will be facing the Florida Panthers at the BB&T Center tonight, with puck drop at 7:00pm. If victorious over the Panthers, Boston will punch their way into the Playoffs.

Boston Bruins vs Florida Panthers

Bruins Tame Panthers In Wild Win

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As Boston tied the game late in the third and with six seconds left, Saint Patrice would score the winning goal as the Bruins beat the Panthers 4-3, extending their game-point streak to 18 games (the second-longest in Bruins history).

Boston Bruins vs Florida Panthers
(Photo Credits: Joe Mariski)

FALLING BEHIND AND GETTING BACK UP

After a scoreless first, Florida got on board in the second when Alexander Barkov scored on a power play at 2:48 in the second, with Brandon Carlo being called on a tripping penalty. Boston was once again down a player as Captain Zdeno Chara received a delay of game penalty. Unfortunately, Florida took advantage as Jonathan Huberdeau scored, making it 2-0.

Boston would get on board when David Krejci scored off a feed from Danton Heinen at 10: 29, making it 2-1 in the second. With the third underway, the Bruins once again found themselves in the penalty box, however Patrice Bergeron would net a short-handed goal, tieing the game at 2-2.

Boston Bruins vs Florida Panthers
(Staff Photo By Matt Stone/MediaNews Group/Boston Herald)

MOOUNTING A COMEBACK

With a Bruins mounting a comeback, Florida would momentarily throw a wrench into their plans when Jonathan Buberdeau found his puck in the back of the net, making the score 3-2 Florida. As minutes started winding down in the third period, Florida would be down a player. Matt Grzelcyk would tie the game at 19:23 on the power-play. In stunning fashion, Patrice Bergeron would net the winning goal seconds later, making the final score 4-3 and handing Florida their sixth straight loss.

Tuukka Rask made 22 saves in net, while Roberto Luongo made 24 saves for Florida. The Bruins are now 41-17-9 and are still second in the Atlantic Divison and in the league. With the loss, Florida is now 28-27-12. Boston will face the Ottawa Senators this Saturday at the TD Garden.

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Boston Bruins vs Philadelphia Flyers

Tuukka Returns; Bruins vs Flyers

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Tuukka Rask returns tonight after suffering a concussion that saw the goaltender out for one game. The return also marks a possible career-milestone for Rask, who looks to overtake Bruins goaltender Tiny Thompson’s record for most career wins. The B’s are also looking to win tonight to get back into 3rd place in the Atlantic division, as they are now one point behind Montreal. With Monday’s shootout loss to the Winnipeg Jets, the Bruins are now 0-1-1 in their last two games.

A FLYING STREAK

In their last meeting during regular season, the Philadelphia Flyers (21-23-6) will face the Boston Bruins at the TD Garden. Philly is looking to extend their five-game win streak to six, after going 1-7-2 in their previous 10 games. Rookie goaltender Carter Hart will get the start in net for the Flyers. The two teams played against each other January 16th, with the Flyers nabbing the 4-3 win. Sean Couturier had a hat trick, and Claude Giroux reached a career high of 500 assists.

Boston Bruins vs Philadelphia Flyers
(Photo Credits: Rob Carr/Getty Images North America

Giroux currently leads the team with 52 points and 38 assists. Couturier leads the team with 19 goals. If the Flyers win tonight, it would be their longest winning streak since 2010. It will also give them their 2,000th road point. Despite having won two of the last three games, they have lost nine of their last games in Boston.  Couturier has recorded a point in seven of his last eight games played.

LOOKING FOR A WIN

Boston Bruins face Philadelphia Flyers
(Photo Credits: Eric Hartline-USA Today Sports)

The Bruins (27-17-6) are coming off  their mandatory bye-week and  suffered a shootout loss to the jets 4-3. Despite the loss, the Bruins played with little rust, although by the third period, things got away as the Jets scored two goals seconds apart in the third period.   Boston is 2nd in the league for the power play at 27.3%. Joakim Nordstrom will return to the lineup tonight after suffering a fractured fibula.

WELCOME BACK

Boston Bruins vs Philadelphia Flyers
(Photo Credits: Leon Halip/Getty Images North Americ)

With Halak slipping in his numbers, news of the return of “Tuukka Time” offered fans a bit of relief:


“…we trust him. If he’s not ready that fine. He’s coming off a pretty serious hit there..”

Coach Bruce Cassidy on Rask

Rask’s season has had many ups and downs, but recently looking to be back on track. Rask is now third in the NHL for goals against average with 2.43. Nordstrom will be slotted alongside Sean Kuraly and Chris Wagner. John Moore will also be back in the lineup with Matt Grzelcyk out. He’ll be playing next to Brandon Carlo. David Pastrnak still leads the team with 59 points and 28 goals. Brad Marchand continues to lead the team in assists with 37.

WHEN TO WATCH: Tonight with puck drop at 7:00 PM

WHERE TO WATCH: NHLN, NESN, NBCSP+

Follow me on Twitter @pastagrl88

Game Preview: Boston Bruins vs Calgary Flames

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Boston Bruins
Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports

NEW YEAR

The Boston Bruins return home after starting the New Year with a win over the Chicago Blackhawks 4-2 at the NHL Winter Classic. Tonight the B’s host the Calgary Flames, who are playing the back to back games after winning 5-3 over the Detroit Red Wings. The Flames have now moved to first in the Western Conference, while the Bruins have moved into 3rd position in the Atlantic Division. Calgary’s recent record has been 3-0-1 in the past few games, and 10-3 in the past 16 games.  With the win over the ‘Hawks, Boston has now won their second straight game and fifth in their past seven games.

BRUINS UPDATES

Boston Bruins Nordstrom
(photo credit: NHL.com)

Earlier today, the Bruins announced that forward Joakim Nordstrom sustained a non-displaced fibula fracture and will remain out of the lineup until further evaluation in three weeks. Nordstom’s injury occurred during the Winter Classic. The Swedish native has played 39 games for the Black and Gold, posting five goals with two assists while being slotted up between the first few lines. Right-winger David Pastrnak, who was recently named to the NHL All-Star team, leads the team with 24 goals with 26 assists for 50 points so far this season. He is currently tied for fourth in the league for goals and tied for first in powerplay goals. Brad Marchand leads the team in assists (26) and is tied in second with Patrice Bergeron with 13 goals.

Coach Bruce Cassidy issued an update on Charlie McAvoy with a possible return on Tuesday or Thursday. David Krejci and wife Naomi welcomed a baby boy this morning; he will be in the lineup tonight. This morning’s rushes for the Bruins:

Marchand-Bergeron-Pastrnak

Donato-Krejci-DeBrusk

Kualy-Acciari-Wagner

Heninen-Cave-JFK

Chara-Carlo

Grzelcyk-Miller

Krug-Moore

Halak

Rask

Possible start in net: Halak, although at the timing of this writing, no official announcement from the Bruins Camp.

CALGARY NOTES

Boston Bruins face Calgary Flames
(Photo Credits: NHL.com)

Calgary Flames forward Johhny “Hockey” Gaudreau has accumulated eight points in his past two games with three goals and five assists. He has 14 points in his past six games. He is tied with Center Sean Monahan for goals at 22. Gaudreau has 59 points, with Monahan not far behind with 50 points this season. He is now fifth in the league behind Connor Mcdavid and Nikita Kucherov. Gaudreau also has the most point by a Calgary Flame player in team history over the first half year. That feat tied the franchise record set by forward Bob MacMillam (then-called Atlanta Flames) in the 1978-79 season.

Projected lineup for Calgary

Gaudreau-Monahan-Lindholm

Tkachuk-Backlund-Frolik

Bennett-Jankowski-Neal

Dube-Ryan-Hathaway

Giodano-Brodie

Hanifin-Hamonic

Kylington-Andersson

Smith

Gillers

WHEN TO WATCH:  TD Garden, tonight with puck drop 7:00 pm

WHERE TO WATCH: NESN, ESPN+

NEXT GAME:  Boston vs. Buffalo

Boston Bruins

Bergeron Returns in Dramatic Fashion; Bruins defeat Preds 5-2

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MISTER 300

It was an afternoon to remember, as Bruins fans received an early Christmas present when Coach Bruce Cassidy announced Patrice Bergeron would return to the lineup.  Number 37 had been out since November 16th after sustaining a rib and sternoclavicular injury in a game against Dallas.  Without missing a beat, in typical Bruins fashion, Bergeron reminded fans and the NHL exactly why he is one of the greatest premier two-way forwards as he notched his 300th NHL goal.  He is now 17 games away from reaching his 1,000th game played.  Bergeron is now the sixth player in Bruins history to score 300 goals.  He joins an elite group alongside Cam Neely, Ray Bourque, Rick Middleton, Phil Esposito, and Johnny Bucyk.

GAME PREVIEW

In the first period, Bergeron got the Bruins on board 1-0 when he scored at 15:10 from a Charlie McAvoy pass.  The Bruins would score another goal in the second making it 2-0, only to have it overturned when Nashville challenged for goaltender interference.  The Predators would even the score when Ryan Johansen netted a goal off a one-timer pass from Craig Smith.  However, Bergeron would bring Boston up by one when he scored his second goal of the game (and one that would be his 300th career goal).  Nashville would come back when Kyle Turris scored with a wrist shot, making it 2-2.

Boston Bruins Patrice Bergeron)

(Photo Credits: Stuart Cahill/Boston Herald)

LOSING THE EDGE

With a frustrated Preds team looking to make a comeback, a penalty was given to Ryan Hartman when he tripped David Pastrnak.  Bruins’ Brad Marchand took advantage, and netted a power play goal with an assist by Bergeron, making the score 3-2.  Any hopes for the Predators were quickly squashed as Pastrnak scored on a one-timer pass from Marchand for a 4-2 lead; Bergeron was also credited with an assist for the Pastrnak goal.  Adding the final nail in the coffin, Sean Kuraly potted an empty-net goal in the last few moments in the third, making the final score 5-2.

With the win, the Boston Bruins are now one point away from taking the third spot in the Atlantic Division.  Nashville has now lost four in a row, as well as losing 10 straight road games.  They are also missing some key players in their lineup, such as P.K Subban and Viktor Arvidsson.  Bruins’ Marchand and Pastrnak had two goals and two assists.  Goaltender Jaroslav Halak made 28 saves and is third in the league for goals against average at 2.19; he’s tied for first in the league with save percentage (.930) alongside Tampa Bay’s goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy.  He’s also tied in second in the league for shutout wins.  The Bruins have now won three in a row, and six of their last eight games.  Boston is hoping to extend their winning streak as they travel to face the Carolina Hurricanes tomorrow afternoon.

NEXT GAME: Sunday, December 23rd with puck drop at  5:00 PM

WHERE TO WATCH: NESN

 

Bruins Fall to Florida 5-0

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Cracks are starting to expose themselves when it comes to the Bruins as evident in the recent shutout loss to Florida. In a listless game against the Panthers, Boston had struggles early on and by the 2nd, the wheels fell off.  But if there’s anything positive that can be said about this team; they know how to make comebacks. Much like last season amidst all the injuries, the Bruins found their stride and went on a tear. They were the team that did it when they weren’t expected to do it. Last night Coach Bruce Cassidy had this to say:

I didn’t like the first at all, to be with honest with you. Our goaltender kept us in. Our goaltending has been very good all year, so we’ve been able to bounce back from it…some of our younger players had their hand full.

(Photo Credit: NHL Bruins Twitter)

Florida’s goaltender Roberto Luongo had missed the last five games and recorded his 77th shutout win last night in the 5-0 win against the B’s.  Luongo is now ninth on the list for the NHL all-time career shutouts.  After a stalemate in the first period with neither team scoring, the Panthers pulled the trigger and controlled the second period, scoring four goals.  Mike Hoffman scored first at 4:21 in the second after knocking in a loose puck past Jaroslav Halak.  Mike Matheson made it 2-0 at the 13:13 mark.  Jonathan Huberdeau added another goal giving Florida a cushioned-lead over the Bruins, making it 3-0. Hoffman once again scored during a power-play off a one-time with seconds left in the period making the score 4-0.  Evgeni Dadonov hit another nail in the coffin when he scored a power-play goal in the third period at 14:36, making the final score 5-0.  Bruins goaltender Jaroslav Halak made 39 saves while Luongo made 33 saves in net.

NEXT UP

The loss marks the fifth shutout for the Bruins this season as Florida out shot Boston 44-33. The team will be looking for another bounce back this Thursday when they face the Tampa Bay Lightning, who currently lead the Atlantic Division with a 21-7-1 record.  Boston currently remain (by a thread) in the 1st wildcard position with a 14-9-4 record.  David Backes spoke with the media after the game:

Coach Bruce Cassidy also spoke with the media after the game to express the same sentiment that has been shared by many: lack of defense:

“Our team defense wasn’t good enough.  Poor gaps all night.  Didn’t move the puck on the back-end nearly crisp enough…We do have some young guys learning their way.  Can’t use that as en excuse.  Once you’re up here, you have to be able to make the plays that are expected of you and we didn’t do that tonight”

The Bruins face the Tampa Bay Lightning this Thursday night with puck drop at 7:30 pm at the Amalie Arena.

 

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Patrice Bergeorn

Boston Bruins: Patrice Bergeron Out With Injury

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The Black and Gold are looking pretty bruised up now with more news coming out about Patrice Bergeron. The center suffered a rib and sternoclavicular injury stemming from a hit he sustained in a recent game against the Dallas Stars on November 16th. He will be out of the lineup at least four weeks and will be re-evaluated at the time. The news couldn’t come at a worse time for the B’s as number 37 joins a growing list of injured players.

Patrice Bergeron

(Photo Credit: Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

Prior to the formal statement on Bergeron, the Bruins put up a huge effort recently against both Dallas and Arizona with a somewhat fractured team. Coach Bruce Cassidy did what he knows best; rearranged lines and got some good plays out of those players. Without many key players, Boston had to dig deep and called up some fresh-new faces. Defenseman Connor Clifton had it first NHL major fight as he nailed Dallas player Jason Spezza during a scrum. Jakob Zboril also made his NHL debut for the Bruins and landed three hits and a shot on goal.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4dHLEqWg6y8&w=560&h=315]

During the Dallas game, Radek Faksa heavily checked Bergeron along the boards where he hit the wall hard with his left shoulder. The hit forced Bergeron off the ice during the second period. He did return,  however, he played gingerly on the ice. As the team headed into Arizona, Bergeron headed back to Boston to be initially evaluated.  As the Bruins continue on without their Captain and Alternate Captain, look for the team to recall more players from Providence.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFHZi404YCg&w=560&h=315]

In case you need to keep count, here’s a list of injured players:

Patrice Bergeron

Brandon Carlo

Zdeno Chara

Charlie McAvoy

Kevan Miller

John Moore

Urho Vaakanainen

The Boston Bruins have recalled Providence forward Colby Cave who had appeared with Boston last season. The Black and Gold will be playing the Detroit Red Wings tomorrow night at the Little Caesars Arena with puck drop at 7:30 pm

 

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Boston Bruins defeat Toronto Maple Leafs

David Pastrnak Scores Hat Trick; Bruins Defeat Toronto 5-1

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After a disappointing loss to Vancouver this past Thursday night, the Bruins put out all the stops last night at the TD Garden. And once again, the first-line lead the night as both Patrice Bergeron and David Pastrnak dazzled with goals and assists. The 22-year-old Pastrnak would score his third career hat trick. Bruins goaltender Jaroslav Halak also had quite the night with a stellar comeback, making an incredible 40 saves. The Bruins would give Toronto their first loss on the road in seven games. Backup goalie Garrett Sparks was in net for the Leafs.

Boston Bruins vs Toronto Maple Leafs

(Photo Credits: The Athletic)

GETTING IN THE GROOVE

In the first 15 minutes, the Toronto Maple Leafs came out blazing and put Halak to the test hitting the net with a flurry of pucks. The Leafs kept the B’s at bay, limiting them to only six shots on goal compared to Toronto’s 20 shots. The 33-year-old Halak kept his demeanor and soon enough Boston was able to find its legs.  Patrice Bergeron got the Bruins on board first when he scored off of a tip-in pass by Pastrnak at 16:12. After the first goal, there was no looking back for the B’s.  With the second period underway, the Bruins kept charging forward and David Pastrnak would score his first goal of the night at 5:46 with a Bergeron and Matt Grzelcyk assist. Toronto’s Martin Marincin got a holding penalty in the second that lead to a Boston power play goal: Pastrnak would score off a wrister with both Brad Marchand and Bergeron notching assists. However, the Maple Leafs tried to make a comeback and with a few seconds left to the second period, John Tavares would score the only goal of the night for Toronto.

Boston Bruins vs Toronto Maple Leafs

(Photo Credits: WINSLOW TOWNSON / THE ASSOCIATED PRESS)

FINAL BREAKDOWN

Heading into the third, Boston led Toronto 3-1. With about 8:32 left in the third, the Leaf’s Kasperi Kapanen would be in the penalty box, charged with a double minor for high-sticking on Bruins  John Moore. The Maple Leafs were shorthanded for four minutes and Boston took full advantage. In his second hat-trick of the season, David Pastrnak would score another power-play goal with the assist by Marchand and Torey Krug. Within seconds, Boston’s Joakim Nordstrom would score off a wrister making the final score 5-1.  As for Boston, who have been without a few key players, Providence players were called up: Dan Vlader (Goaltender) and Jakob Forsbacka Karlsson (Center). Karlsson has 11:19 minutes on ice. Pastrnak now leads the league in goals with 15; Bergeron is tied for first in the league and the team with points (24). Halak is second in the league for GAA (Goals Against Average) with a 1.86. He is also third in the league with regards to Save Percentage at .942. Toronto had 41 shots on goal, while the Bruins had 34 shots.

NEXT GAME UP

The Bruins will again be on the ice tonight at the TD Garden as they host the Las Vegas Golden Knights, who are coming off a 5-4 loss against the Montreal Canadiens last night.  For the Knights, tonight will be the last game of a four-game road trip against an Atlantic Divison team. Both Jonathan Marchessault and Max Pacioretty are players to keep an eye on. William Karlsson is also having a good start to the season as he is second behind Marchessault in team points. Vegas is seventh in their division with a 7-9-1 record, while the Bruins are fourth in their division with a 9-5-2 record.

PUCK DROP: TONIGHT at 7:00 pm, TD Garden.

WHERE TO WATCH: NESN

WINTER CLASSIC – Going Back Outdoors

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Going Back Outdoors

Photo courtesy: NHL

 

The game may be a couple months away but the preparation and excitement have begun.

The Bruins and Blackhawks officially announced the jerseys they would be wearing for the annual outdoor game on New Years Day.

Bruins chose the brown and gold version

Photo courtesy: Adidas

The brown-and-gold jersey pays homage to the team’s 1930’s era uniform. The classic “B’’ logo is the logo that was chosen.

Additional details include a list of the years that the team has won the Stanley Cup, each year has been set within a shamrock as a nod to Notre Dame Stadium and is emblazoned onto the interior neckline.

Blackhawks going with black and white 

Photo courtesy: Adidas

The jersey pays homage to 1934, the year the team won its first Stanley Cup and it also includes the six years that the team has won the Stanley Cup emblazoned onto the interior neckline, paired with the classic hash marks of Notre Dame Stadium.

Notre Dame Stadium is the venue.

Photo courtesy:
Notre Dame

The stadium holds up to 80,000 and the game will be played on January 1, 2019. This will be the third time the Bruins play in the Winter Classic,  the first as the road team. Fenway Park and Gillette Stadium were the two previous games.

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