The Boston Bruins face a crucial matchup tonight against the San Jose Sharks at the SAP Center, marking an important juncture for both teams as they look ahead, with neither having playoff aspirations this season. Both squads are out of contention, with the Bruins carrying a 30-31-9 record, while the Sharks sit at 18-42-9. This game is particularly significant as both teams will look to evaluate their rosters while gearing up for the upcoming NHL draft.
As of March 22, 2025, the Boston Bruins have accumulated 69 points this season with just 12 games remaining. With the Montreal Canadiens sitting five points ahead and holding the second wild card position in the Eastern Conference, the Bruins face an uphill battle to reach the playoffs.
Recently, the Bruins have underwent significant changes, trading away prominent figures like Brad Marchand, who was dealt to the Florida Panthers. As a result, Boston has focused on integrating new players while heavily relying on star forward David Pastrnak, who leads the team with 34 goals and 84 points in 70 games. Despite Pastrnak's stellar performance, the Bruins have struggled recently, going 3-6-1 in their last ten games and currently on a four-game losing streak. Coach Joe Sacco emphasized the need for a change after their disappointing performance, stating, "We’ve struggled to get some wins, but what I like about the way we’re playing, there’s been no quit in our group."
On the other side of the ice, the Sharks are focusing on their youth as they continue to integrate players from their AHL affiliate, the San Jose Barracuda. Among the new faces, Lucas Carlsson will make his long-awaited NHL debut after last playing in November 2022. The Sharks roster includes promising talents like Macklin Celebrini, Will Smith, and William Eklund, who are stepping up amid the team's struggles. Celebrini and Eklund held up the Sharks' offensive efforts this season, with Celebrini scoring 21 goals and 29 assists for a total of 50 points.
While both teams struggle, the Bruins have faced challenges finding their rhythm offensively, averaging only 10 shots per game over their last four outings. Their inability to convert chances into goals has placed more pressure on their star players. Potential breakout performances are critical for forwards like Pavel Zacha, who has 42 points (14 goals, 28 assists), and Morgan Geekie, who is gathering momentum after being acquired mid-season. Their performance against the Sharks’ defense may ultimately determine the game’s outcome.
As for the Sharks, head coach David Quinn is hopeful that the team can leverage its speed against Boston’s defense. Quinn remarked on the Sharks’ ability to keep games competitive, saying they can “use their speed against the depleted Bruins blue line to generate chances off of the rush.” With critical contributions needed from veteran Tyler Toffoli and the emerging talents, the Sharks will need to exceed their 31st-ranked offensive performance, which has seen them score only 178 goals this season.
Additionally, goaltending remains a focal point for both teams. Bruins goalie Jeremy Swayman has a record of 20-24-6 with a 3.04 goals against average this season, struggling for consistency at a crucial time in the campaign. In contrast, Sharks netminder Alexandar Georgiev is aiming to recover from a tough season, posting a 3.84 goals against average. With the Sharks holding the NHL's worst defense, allowing 3.7 goals per game, this might be an opportunity for Swayman to regain his footing against a team that has found difficulty scoring.
Injury updates show that the Bruins will be without defenseman Charlie McAvoy (shoulder) and Hampus Lindholm (knee), further thinning their blue line against a Sharks team looking to take advantage of any defensive vulnerabilities. Conversely, San Jose is expected to have Alex Wennberg back in the lineup after overcoming a lower-body injury, crucial for their offensive depth.
Ultimately, this matchup offers a unique view into how both franchises are positioning themselves for the future. As both the Bruins and Sharks see their postseason dreams fade, each team stands at a crossroads, working to develop young players and build a foundation for the upcoming seasons. With playoff stakes no longer in the equation, the focus shifts to minor moments that could resonate into long-term growth.
Expect a competitive contest as the Bruins and Sharks clash, with team dynamics, key players’ performances, and coaching strategies setting the stage for an intriguing game. It’s a must-watch for fans eager to see how both teams adapt to the changing tides of the NHL, preparing for what’s next after a challenging season.
