5 Bruins Games to Watch in 2018–19

We’re less than 10 weeks away from the Boston Bruins kicking off their 2018–19 campaign, which means it’s time to start looking forward to their big matchups next season.

After taking a glance at the schedule, here are the games that I feel all Bruins fans should keep their eyes on. The first three are all games that should definitely be watched and the final two have the possibility of being a huge game in the standings as the season starts to wind down, so you need to keep an eye on them. And before you go any further…no Montreal games are included because the Canadiens will stink this season.

October 3rd, 2018 — @ Washington Capitals

It’s opening night and the game is being played in Washington, which means the Capitals are going to raise their 2017–18 Stanley Cup Champions banner. What better way for the Bruins to start the season than to knock off the defending champions and ruin their first ever Stanley Cup banner night? It’s also the first opportunity for Bruins fans to see what the 2018–19 team is going to look like. Is there anything else I need to say to convince people that this game is a must watch?

November 10th, 2018 — vs Toronto Maple Leafs

This will be the first meeting between the two since game 7 last spring and it’ll be the first time John Tavares faces the Bruins while in a Maple Leafs sweater. With Tampa Bay still the favorite in the Atlantic Division, every matchup between these two teams will be important this season because the outcome could determine who has home-ice advantage in the first round of the 2019 Stanley Cup Playoffs.

January 1st, 2019 — @ Chicago Blackhawks

Though the Winter Classic has lost its flame, it’s still exciting when your team plays in the biggest outdoor game of the season. The Bruins and Blackhawks will play the NHL’s first game of 2019 at Notre Dame Stadium. The 2019 Winter Classic will mark the third time the B’s have appeared in the game and the fourth time for the Blackhawks. The Original Six matchup should be an exciting game to get the second half of the 2018-19 NHL season underway.

March 30th — vs Florida Panthers

The Panthers are the fourth best team in the Atlantic behind the Lightning, Bruins, and Maple Leafs. If the Bruins are to have any struggles this season then they could be battling the Panthers for third in the division. A game this late in March could have a significant impact on who lands the three seed in the Atlantic Division and who ends up in the wild card race.

April 6th — vs Tampa Bay Lightning

See above…..Only this time the Bruins aren’t struggling. In this scenario they’re battling for the top spot in the Atlantic. If things go the same as last season the Bruins and Lightning will go down to the wire in determining who takes the division crown and avoids the Maple Leafs in round one. A winner take all game on the final night of the season is a win-win scenario for all fans involved.

Kevin Maggiore (@kevin_maggiore)