Boston Bruins vs Vancouver Canucks Picks and Predictions November 26th 2024

Bruins See Improvements Under New Coach, Tackle Canucks Next

The Boston Bruins, off to a promising start under interim coach Joe Sacco, aim to extend their winning streak as they host the Vancouver Canucks on Tuesday. This matchup marks the beginning of a grueling stretch for Boston, with three games in four nights surrounding Thanksgiving.

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Boston’s Defensive Resurgence Under Sacco

Joe Sacco has emphasized tightening up the Bruins’ defensive play, and the results are evident. Across their last two games — back-to-back regulation wins against Utah (1-0) and Detroit (2-1) — Boston allowed a mere 42 shots on goal combined.

Offensively, the Bruins are showing signs of life. Brad Marchand delivered the game-winning 5-on-5 goal in the third period against Detroit, a much-needed boost as it marked Boston’s first even-strength tally in three games. Additionally, contributions from players like Justin Brazeau, who scored on the power play, highlight a balanced offensive effort.

“We need contributions from everybody right now,” Sacco said.

Heading into a packed schedule, including a trip to face the New York Islanders on Wednesday, Marchand is optimistic about the team’s progress.

“We seem to be a little bit more comfortable right now. Effort seems higher,” he said. “I like the way we closed the last couple of games, being tight, playing very well defensively.”

Jeremy Swayman’s Bounce-Back Performance

After a rough patch that saw him allow 12 goals across two starts, Jeremy Swayman rebounded in Detroit, stopping 19 of 20 shots. Signed to a hefty eight-year, $66 million contract in the offseason, Swayman has faced early-season struggles, posting a 3.30 goals-against average and .887 save percentage.

Despite this, Sacco remains confident in his goaltender.

“He’s still our guy,” Sacco said after Saturday’s win. “It’s only a matter of time before ‘Sway’ starts to find his groove consistently.”

Meanwhile, Joonas Korpisalo has been a reliable presence in net, going 3-0-1 in November and providing Boston with much-needed depth.

Canucks Look to Maintain Road Dominance

The Vancouver Canucks enter Tuesday’s game with a solid 7-1-0 road record, including a hard-fought 4-3 win against Ottawa on Saturday. This victory was particularly impressive given the challenges they faced, such as J.T. Miller’s indefinite personal leave and Quinn Hughes’ first-period ejection for a boarding penalty.

“That’s a lot to throw at the team, and I thought we handled it well,” coach Rick Tocchet said. “In an 82-game schedule, you’re going to go through a lot of adversity, and it’s about the way you handle it.”

Despite missing key players like Miller and Brock Boeser (upper-body injury), the Canucks found success thanks to their top line. Jake DeBrusk, Elias Pettersson, and Kiefer Sherwood combined for seven points against the Senators, with DeBrusk scoring twice.

DeBrusk, who played his first seven NHL seasons with the Bruins before joining Vancouver as a free agent, is eager to build on his recent success.

“I knew I was going to break through,” DeBrusk said. “I think my game is kind of building.”

Rising Stars and Fresh Contributions

The Canucks also saw promising performances from newcomer Max Sasson, who was called up for his first NHL game on Saturday and notched an assist.

“I really liked his game,” Tocchet said. “He seized the moment.”

With Boeser returning to practice in a regular jersey on Monday, Vancouver could see even more depth against the Bruins.

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What to Watch For

Boston will look to continue its defensive dominance and capitalize on its offensive momentum as they adjust to Sacco’s system. For the Canucks, the focus will be on maintaining their road success while overcoming key absences.

Tuesday’s clash promises a test of resilience and strategy as both teams seek to solidify their footing in a competitive NHL season.