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Avalanche Pose ‘Great Challenge’ for Skidding Bruins
The Boston Bruins are desperate to stop the bleeding after six straight losses, but things won’t get any easier on Saturday when the Colorado Avalanche visit TD Garden for a matinee clash. The Avs, one of the NHL’s two remaining teams without a regulation loss, already handled Boston once this season — a 4-1 victory marked by a 38-14 shot advantage — and arrive in Massachusetts as heavy favorites to do it again.
“It’s a great challenge,” said Bruins defenseman Nikita Zadorov, who has been one of Boston’s few bright spots. “We’re playing against the best team in the league. A Saturday game, packed house — it’s the perfect time to respond.”
Zadorov leads the league in hits (40) and has been carrying a battered blue line that’s missing multiple starters. Still, the Bruins’ defensive lapses and inconsistency have buried them during this skid — capped by Thursday’s 7-5 collapse to Anaheim, where Boston surrendered four goals in the third period.
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Game Information
Matchup: Colorado Avalanche vs Boston Bruins
Venue: TD Garden – Boston, MA
Date: Saturday, October 25, 2025
Time: 3:00 PM ET
Broadcast: NHL Network
Odds: Avalanche -185 | Bruins +155 | Total 6.0
Colorado: Still Elite Despite Minor Hiccups
The Colorado Avalanche enter this one with a 5-0-3 record, sitting atop both the Western Conference and the Central Division. While they’ve dropped back-to-back games beyond regulation, their dominance remains clear — especially when they dictate tempo and control possession.
Coach Jared Bednar’s team continues to excel in both ends of the ice, ranking 1st in shots on goal (281) and 2nd in goals against (17). The Avalanche can overwhelm opponents with relentless puck pressure, anchored by their two-way core of Cale Makar, Mikko Rantanen, and Nathan MacKinnon.
MacKinnon has started the year on pace for another MVP-level campaign, tallying six goals and 14 points through nine games. Meanwhile, Valeri Nichushkin, newly promoted to the top power-play unit, has found a groove — scoring twice against Carolina on Thursday.
In goal, Akira Schmid remains steady with a 2.57 GAA, while Scott Wedgewood struggles to find consistency, allowing four goals on 11 shots in his last outing. Bednar briefly turned to Trent Miner, who steadied the crease with key saves in relief.
“We didn’t have the start we wanted,” Miner said postgame, “but the fact that we battled back says a lot about this group.”
Even with injuries to Samuel Girard, Logan O’Connor, and Mackenzie Blackwood, Colorado’s depth continues to deliver. For bettors and analysts, the Avs remain one of the most consistent puckline teams early in the season — a fact reflected on the NHL odds page.
Avalanche Injury Report
| Player | Status | Injury |
|---|---|---|
| Ronnie Attard (D) | Out | Undisclosed |
| Mackenzie Blackwood (G) | Out | Lower Body |
| Samuel Girard (D) | Out | Upper Body |
| Joel Kiviranta (LW) | Out | Lower Body |
| Jacob MacDonald (D) | Out | Hip |
| Logan O’Connor (RW) | Out | Hip |
| Nikita Prishchepov (C) | Out | Personal |
Boston: Searching for Identity
The Boston Bruins have spiraled after a promising start, and frustration is beginning to boil over. Thursday’s 7-5 defeat to the Anaheim Ducks was a microcosm of their season — defensive breakdowns, lack of communication, and missed assignments leading to late collapses.
“It’s embarrassing,” forward Morgan Geekie said postgame. “Every guy’s gotta look in the mirror. It’s been all year — we threw a good start down the drain.”
Coach Marco Sturm, in his first year behind the bench, didn’t mince words either:
“Every time you step on the ice, you’re one unit. Right now, we’re not. That has to change — and fast.”
Still, there are pieces worth building on. David Pastrnak remains a lethal scorer with 12 points through nine games, while Zadorov continues to be a stabilizing presence on defense. The issue lies in depth — Hampus Lindholm is questionable, Jordan Harris is on injured reserve, and the call-ups from Providence haven’t filled the gap.
Boston ranks among the top five in shots on goal and power-play goals, showing flashes of offensive potential. But defensively, they’ve allowed the fourth-most goals (35) in the NHL. At home, where the energy of TD Garden usually lifts them, Boston needs a clean, disciplined performance to avoid another late-game meltdown.
Bruins Injury Report
| Player | Status | Injury |
|---|---|---|
| Jordan Harris (D) | Out | Undisclosed |
| Hampus Lindholm (D) | Questionable | Lower Body |
For insight into Boston’s matchup data, betting performance, and in-game splits, check the NHL picks and trends section.
Analysis
This game looks like a mismatch on paper, but there’s emotional urgency on Boston’s side. The Bruins are desperate to halt their losing skid, while the Avalanche aim to stay perfect in regulation.
Colorado’s biggest advantage comes in transition play and shot quality — the Avs rank near the top in controlled zone entries and high-danger chances, while Boston has struggled to defend odd-man rushes. If the Avalanche establish possession early, the Bruins’ shaky defense could crack again.
Boston’s path to victory depends on slowing Colorado’s top line and capitalizing on power plays. The Avs’ penalty kill has been average, and if Pastrnak or Zacha can generate early offense, it could build the confidence this team sorely needs.
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Prediction
Boston’s fight won’t be enough to overcome Colorado’s speed, structure, and depth. Expect the Avalanche to control possession and wear down the Bruins over three periods.
Projected Score: Avalanche 4, Bruins 2
Best Bets: Colorado ML (-185), Under 6.0 (-115)
For real-time line movement, shot metrics, and daily projections, visit the ScoresAndStats NHL hub.
