Bruins Kick Off December in the Playoff Picture, with Unexpected Heroes Leading the Way
The calendar has flipped to December, and with it comes a shift in the NHL season’s rhythm. The early-season feel is fading fast, and we’re officially entering the heart of the campaign - the stretch where contenders start to separate from the pack, and teams begin to show who they really are.
For the Boston Bruins, that transition couldn’t come at a better time. They closed out November with a gritty shootout win over the Detroit Red Wings at TD Garden - a game that saw them surrender the tying goal late in regulation but regroup in time to secure the extra point. It wasn’t perfect, but it was the kind of resilient finish that good teams find a way to pull off.
And speaking of the Red Wings, the Bruins won’t have to wait long for a rematch. The two Atlantic Division rivals are set to face off again tomorrow night, this time in Detroit. It’s a classic back-to-back within the division - the kind of matchup that can start to shape the playoff race even before the holidays hit.
Now, if you’ve been watching this Bruins team closely, you know they’ve been one of the more pleasant surprises through the first two months. A lot of that has to do with players stepping up in ways few could have predicted.
Let’s start with Morgan Geekie. Yes, Morgan Geekie - who enters December tied for the league lead in goals.
That’s not a typo. The versatile forward has been a revelation, giving Boston a much-needed offensive spark and proving he’s more than just a depth piece.
He’s making plays, finishing chances, and earning every bit of ice time he’s getting. Nobody had him in the Rocket Richard conversation back in October, but here we are.
Of course, David Pastrnak remains a constant force. He’s doing what elite players do - producing consistently, driving play, and showing up in big moments. He’s the engine of this offense and continues to be the Bruins’ most dangerous weapon with the puck on his stick.
In net, Jeremy Swayman has been outstanding, especially over the past few weeks. His calm presence and quick reflexes have stabilized the Bruins during some tough stretches, and he’s made a strong case to be considered one of the league’s top goaltenders so far. With Linus Ullmark also in the mix, Boston’s goaltending tandem remains one of the best in the NHL - but Swayman, in particular, has been a difference-maker lately.
Then there’s Nikita Zadorov. With Charlie McAvoy sidelined, the Bruins needed someone on the blue line to step up, and Zadorov has answered the call.
He’s brought a physical edge, logged big minutes, and played with a level of poise that’s been crucial to keeping the defense steady. He may not grab headlines, but his impact has been felt in a big way.
Two months down, four (and change) to go. It’s still early enough that standings can shift quickly, but December is where the grind really begins. And as of now, the Bruins are firmly in the playoff picture - a spot not everyone expected them to be in at this point.
One quick note from around the division: Tampa Bay has quietly surged to the top of the Atlantic. The Lightning are riding a seven-game win streak and have gone 8-2-0 in their last ten. That kind of run can flip a division race in a hurry, and it’s a reminder that the Bruins will have to keep their foot on the gas if they want to stay near the top.
The good news? This Bruins team has shown they’re up for the challenge.