The Bruins are riding a five-game win streak, and they'll look to keep that momentum rolling Saturday night in Chicago. With Jeremy Swayman having handled the last two starts between the pipes, head coach Marco Sturm is turning to Joonas Korpisalo for this one-and it’s a move that makes a lot of sense.
Korpisalo has been sharp lately, stopping 55 of the last 56 shots he’s faced over his previous two starts. That’s not just solid goaltending-that’s the kind of form that gives a team real confidence when their backup takes the net. And with Swayman carrying a heavy load this season, giving him a breather while Korpisalo is dialed in is a smart play.
Up front, the Bruins will roll with the same forward lines that have helped fuel this current streak. Chemistry is clicking, and Sturm isn’t messing with a good thing. But on the blue line, things are a little less settled.
Andrew Peeke, who exited Thursday’s win over Seattle with a lower-body injury, is officially listed as doubtful. Still, he hit the ice for morning skate, which is an encouraging sign.
“To be able to skate this quickly is a really good step,” Peeke said. “It’s in a good spot.
I want to be healthy but I want to be ready to go at the same time.” That’s the kind of mindset you want from a guy who brings physicality and defensive reliability to the back end.
Hampus Lindholm also joined the morning session. He’s been out since suffering a lower-body injury back on January 3 in Vancouver. While there’s no confirmation on whether he’ll return tonight, his participation in the skate suggests he’s getting closer.
With both Peeke and Lindholm’s status up in the air, the Bruins made an emergency recall, bringing up right-shot defenseman Billy Sweezey from Providence. The Hanson native has been a steady presence in the AHL, and Sturm didn’t hesitate to praise his impact.
“The last little while, he’s been their motor,” Sturm said. “Not just on the ice, but off the ice.
We’re just getting prepared-if a guy like Peeke is out, we need someone who can give us 12 minutes, block shots. It was an easy choice.
Talking to everyone down in Providence, he definitely deserved that.”
Sweezey might not log big minutes, but in a game like this-on the road, with some uncertainty on the back end-having a dependable, hard-nosed player who can step in and eat a few shifts is invaluable.
This trip also comes with a little extra energy: it’s the Bruins’ annual siblings trip. Instead of the usual parents tagging along, it’s brothers and sisters this time, and Sturm is hoping their presence brings a spark.
“Usually it does,” he said. “It’s just a good thing having them around.
It’s usually the moms or dads-now it’s the siblings, so there’s a lot of pressure on them right now. But it’s great.
They’re really excited and hopefully we can give them two really good games.”
After tonight’s game in Chicago, the Bruins head to Dallas for a Tuesday tilt. But first, they’ll try to handle business in a city that holds some personal meaning for Sturm.
“There are cities where you felt you always had good games and bad games. I feel like Chicago was always one of the better ones,” he said.
“It starts with the national anthem. It’s outstanding.
I wish I played at the old rink. I missed that unfortunately.
It’s still good. A lot of good memories here and the guys should enjoy it.”
With the team clicking, a goalie in form, and the good vibes of a family trip in full swing, the Bruins are in a strong spot. But as Sturm pointed out, maintaining that edge is key. They’ve got something good going-and now the challenge is keeping it rolling.