Bruins Set for Home Stretch as Swayman Carries Goaltending Load
Boston returns home for three straight games at TD Garden after splitting its opening road back-to-back. The Bruins are managing roster depth, with Matthew Poitras on injured reserve and Charlie McAvoy still suspended until Oct. 13. Jeremy Swayman is expected to carry most of the goaltending workload as the team settles into its early-season schedule.
Boston opened with a road back-to-back and split it before returning to TD Garden for three consecutive games. The homestand includes Ottawa on Oct. 5, Utah on Oct. 8, and Philadelphia on Oct. 10. Matthew Poitras is on injured reserve with a lower-body issue, while Charlie McAvoy remains suspended for six games and can return Oct. 13 against San Jose.
Jeremy Swayman is expected to handle most starts. Michael DiPietro started against Minnesota, a loss in which Boston stayed close. Coach Marco Sturm's group also features David Pastrnak as captain, Pavel Zacha and Elias Lindholm at center, and defensemen Nikita Zadorov, Hampus Lindholm, and Mason Lohrei.
The Bruins' early schedule and Swayman's workload may affect players' fatigue and performance, which could shape fan engagement during the homestand. Local supporters, arena staff, and nearby businesses might see modest game-day activity if the team builds momentum. Poitras's recovery and McAvoy's suspension could influence roster depth and early results, potentially affecting how communities experience the season. These effects are uncertain and depend on health, execution, and how the games unfold.