Bruins Recap - Week Ending January 3rd, 2026: Back on track?

(Photo Credit: Boston Bruins via Instagram)

Between ever demanding holiday schedules, and having to stay up well past midnight for a handful of games amidst a 6 game losing streak - the patience, and loyalty of Bruins fans were put to the test this past week.

After losing 4 consecutive games on home ice - including a 6-2 loss at the hands of the Montreal Canadiens - Boston hit the road with their season in the balance.

Needing desperation in their game, the Bruins had everything but in a disappointing 4-1 losing effort to the Buffalo Sabres.

Boston was soundly outshot in regulation 34-23 - and to be honest - that discrepancy doesn't do it justice as to how badly the Bruins were outplayed.

Boston didn't play with any real determination until the final 5 minutes of the game when they were down by two and needed a goal.

Too little, too late.

From upstate New York, it was off to Calgary Alberta where the Bruins aimed to get back on track against a winnable opponent.

Unfortunately, it wasn't meant to be.

After marginally being the better team throughout regulation, Jonathan Aspirot - who otherwise looked great in his return to the lineup - took a high sticking penalty as time expired to put Boston down shorthanded to start overtime.

As the extra session got under way, the Bruins actually did a great job killing and even had the better of the scoring chances when Pavel Zacha was sent in all alone on a shorthanded breakaway.

Unfortunately, he was stopped by Dustin Wolf and the Flames were able to get a garbage goal that went in off of Hampus Lindholm just before the power play expired.

It was a pretty devastating loss for Boston - who for the first time since their loss to Vancouver back on December, 20th - probably deserved better.

Now losers of 6 games in a row, it was off to Edmonton for a NYE date with Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, and the Oilers.

Just as a reminder for how important this game was for Boston, they entered the night 8th in the Atlantic Division and 15th in the Eastern Conference with a .525 points percentage.

Another potential loss at the hands of the Oilers, and it was conceivable that such negative momentum could have continued to snowball and compile into a possible winless road trip, and near ten game losing streak that would effectively put an end to Boston's season.

To the Bruins credit however, they rallied against all odds and snapped their 6 game losing streak with a 6-2 win over the Oilers of all teams.

Now perhaps McDavid, Draisaitl and the boys were looking ahead to their NYE plans after the game and were caught by Boston on an off night.

Nonetheless, the Bruins put forth a complete team effort and had eleven players register a point led by David Pastrnak who had 3 - 2 goals, and an assist.

Finally back in the win column, Boston would look to capitalize on some positive mojo against old friend Jake DeBrusk, and the Canucks.

In ways, this game between the Bruins and Vancouver was a reversal of the one they had played back in Boston in late December.

That night saw the Canucks win in a shootout despite being badly outplayed and outshot by Boston by a 43-23 margin.

More recently however, it was the Bruins who found a way to earn the extra point in overtime after being largely outplayed and outshot by Vancouver 33-21.

Fraser Minten - playing his first ever game in his home town of Vancouver - scored is 2nd goal of the game, and 2nd overtime winner of the season to help propel Boston to their 2nd consecutive win as they gear up for the final game of their road trip in Seattle on Tuesday night.

Now as for the Bruins overall road trip, they are currently 2-1-1 through the first 4 games.

What constitutes as a successful road trip?

Well, I had stated immediately after Boston's loss to Montreal that the Bruins would have to go at least 3-1-1 on their ensuing 5-game road trip if they wanted any hope of salvaging their season.

With a chance to go 3-1-1 with a win over Seattle - and Boston still currently sitting 8th place in the Atlantic Division, and 14th place in the Eastern Conference on points percentage (.548) - I stand by my stance from December 23rd.

If Boston - 2 points out of a wildcard spot - wants any chance of staying in the mix and making the playoffs they need to win their next game in Seattle and end the road trip 3-1-1 - which would be impressive after it started off 0-1-1.

If the Bruins can end the trip on a good note, they can then go home for 5 consecutive games and try to right the wrongs of their last home stand.