October 12th: versus New Jersey Devils
After they sit through a couple home openers as the away team, the Bruins enjoy their own opener on the 12th against the Devils. Boston won its last three home openers, including a win over New Jersey in 2016.
Boston started its home schedule with offensive fireworks last season. The Bruins scored 16 goals in their first three home games. They’ll look to start the same way against New Jersey.
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No team improved this offseason like the Devils. New Jersey won the draft lottery and picked future franchise center Jack Hughes. Hughes still has room to grow, but he already has the tools to make an immediate impact.
New Jersey also traded for defenseman P.K. Subban. Subban’s always a fan favorite in Boston, but this time he’ll wear a friendlier color of red. Subban will help a New Jersey power play that struggled last year.
Most importantly, the Devils start the season with a healthy Taylor Hall. Hall averaged over a point per game in limited time last year. Expect the Bruins to match Chara and McAvoy against Hall’s line.
Boston won two of its three meetings with New Jersey last season. After a busy offseason, the Devils present a much tougher test this year.