Bruins Bring the Revolution to Tampa, Rookie Minten Shines, and Injury Questions Linger
The Boston Bruins have never been shy about making a statement at outdoor games, and Sunday in Tampa was no exception. A few years back, they set the bar with a Peaky Blinders-inspired look at Notre Dame Stadium. This time, they reached back even further-way back-to colonial times.
Stepping off the bus at Raymond James Stadium, the Bruins looked like they’d just walked out of the 1700s. Tri-corner hats, long coats, britches, stockings-the full Founding Fathers treatment.
And yes, there was fife and drum music to complete the scene. The nod to Boston’s revolutionary roots wasn’t just a fashion choice-it was a deliberate, well-executed tribute to the city they represent.
Defenseman Nikita Zadorov, who embraced the look with a full wig and colonial flair, said the idea came from a collective brainstorming effort.
“A lot of the guys were in on it,” Zadorov said. “We wanted something that really tied into Boston’s history.
Dressing up as patriots from the 16th and 17th centuries felt like a cool way to pay respect to the founding fathers-and it kind of connects to the Patriots football team, too. We’re in a football stadium, after all.
It worked out.”
The team tapped Boston Costume to help bring the vision to life. Players were fitted and given the chance to put their personal spin on the outfits.
“They brought the wardrobe to the rink and let us go through everything,” said rookie Mason Lohrei. “Everybody got to style their own look a little bit. It was fun.”
Head coach Marco Sturm gave his squad high marks for commitment and execution.
“They looked sharp,” Sturm said. “They put in the work.
Guys were coming in between games to get fitted. You could tell they were into it.”
The Tampa Bay Lightning, not to be outdone, leaned into the football theme as well, showing up in throwback Creamsicle orange uniforms inspired by the old-school Buccaneers look.
Minten Making His Mark
While the pregame fashion show turned heads, it was Fraser Minten’s recent play that’s been turning heads across the league. The 19-year-old center was named the NHL’s Rookie of the Month for January after leading all rookies with eight goals and 14 points.
Minten’s two-way game has been a strength since day one, but now the offense is catching up-and fast. He’s up to 29 points on the season, with a plus-20 rating that trails only Jonathan Aspirot’s plus-21 on the team.
“Nothing really surprises me with him anymore,” said Sturm. “Since Christmas, he’s been more consistent.
That’s the big thing. Young guys usually have ups and downs, but he’s found a rhythm.
He’s got a bigger role now, he’s on the power play-that’s helped with the points-but the confidence has always been there.”
Minten may not be the frontrunner for the Calder Trophy-Islanders defenseman Matthew Schaefer has been a force-but the Bruins have to be thrilled with what they’ve got. A defensively responsible, offensively capable center? That’s a rare find, especially in the wake of Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci’s retirements.
And the fact that Minten came to Boston as part of the trade that sent Brandon Carlo to Toronto? That deal is aging like fine wine. The Bruins also received a 2026 first-round pick (top-5 protected) and a 2025 fourth-rounder that turned into Vashek Blanar, a promising defense prospect now honing his game in Sweden.
Injury Watch: Lindholm and Zacha Still Out
The Bruins were without Elias Lindholm and Pavel Zacha on Sunday, both sidelined with upper-body injuries. And according to Sturm, there hasn’t been much movement on their recoveries.
“Both are still home, so that’s not really a good sign,” Sturm said before the game. “Small improvement, but no real update yet.”
With one game left before the Olympic break-Wednesday against the Panthers in Sunrise-the Bruins will be hoping for better news soon. As of now, neither Lindholm (Sweden) nor Zacha (Czechia) has been replaced on their respective Olympic team rosters, but time is ticking.
Around the Boards
- Pasta Keeps Cooking: David Pastrnak was named the NHL’s Second Star of the Month after a sizzling January where he posted 5 goals and 20 assists for 25 points. That’s the highest monthly total for a Bruin since Brad Marchand’s 26-point outburst in 2018.
The top star? Tampa’s Nikita Kucherov, who racked up a jaw-dropping 31 points (9 goals, 22 assists).
- Merkulov Sets a Record in Providence: Georgii Merkulov hasn’t quite carved out a permanent role with the big club yet, but he’s been lighting it up in the AHL. His assist on Victor Soderstrom’s goal gave him 211 career points with the Providence Bruins, setting a new franchise record and passing Andy Hilbert for the all-time mark.
Boston’s blend of historical flair and future promise was on full display in Tampa. From the tri-corner hats to the emerging star down the middle in Minten, the Bruins are embracing both their past and their path forward. And if this weekend was any indication, they’re doing it with style.