Bruins and Sharks Set to Clash in First Meeting of the Season
The Boston Bruins and San Jose Sharks are poised for their first matchup of the 2024-2025 NHL season on Sunday at 8 p.m. EST in San Jose, California. Coming off a hard-fought overtime victory, the Bruins look to continue their momentum against a Sharks team seeking to improve their home record.
Bruins Riding High After Overtime Win
The Boston Bruins (13-10) enter Sunday’s contest following a 2-1 overtime win against the Los Angeles Kings, fueled by a two-goal performance from Morgan Geekie. This victory underscores the Bruins’ ability to compete in tight games, a characteristic they’ll need against the Sharks. Currently in the Atlantic Division, Boston boasts an overall record of 13-10, with a 5-6-0 record on the road. Notably, the Bruins have demonstrated a strong offensive capability, posting an 11-6-0 record in games where they score at least three goals.
Sharks Look to Improve at Home
The San Jose Sharks (10-9-3) currently hold a 10-9-3 overall record and a 6-4-3 record at home, where Sunday’s game will be played. Despite a relatively even record, the Sharks have struggled with goal differential, having conceded 70 goals while scoring 64, resulting in a -6 differential. Their recent form has been positive, going 6-3-1 in their last 10 games, averaging 2.4 goals per game.
Key Players to Watch
Both teams feature dynamic players capable of shifting the momentum. For the Sharks, rookie sensation Macklin Celebrini leads the charge with 13 goals and 19 assists. Will Smith has also been a key contributor recently, registering three goals and eight assists over the last 10 games.
The Bruins will rely on the offensive prowess of Geekie, who has 16 goals and six assists on the season, and veteran forward David Pastrnak, who has four goals and seven assists in his last 10 appearances.
Recent Performance Trends
Analyzing the last 10 games reveals distinct trends for both teams. The Sharks have been averaging 2.4 goals, 4.4 assists, 3.8 penalties, and 7.9 penalty minutes while limiting opponents to 1.8 goals per game. The Bruins, meanwhile, have been more prolific offensively, averaging three goals, 5.1 assists, 5.3 penalties, and 14 penalty minutes, while conceding 2.6 goals per game.
Betting Odds and Game Outlook
As of today, the Bruins are favored at -135, while the Sharks are listed at +113. The over/under is set at 6 goals. This suggests a closely contested game with moderate scoring potential.
Currently, no injuries have been reported for either team. This ensures both squads can field their strongest lineups for this important divisional matchup.
The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Write and data from Sportradar. Copyright © 2025 ESPN Internet Ventures. All rights reserved.
