The Boston Bruins faced an unexpected delay during their journey to Buffalo for their game, causing them to miss their usual pre-game skate. The team’s charter flight, scheduled to depart from Bedford/Hanscom, encountered a couple of hours of delay due to necessary de-icing procedures and heavy traffic. Team president Cam Neely acknowledged the challenges of same-day travel, comparing it to preseason trips.
Defenseman Charlie McAvoy described the situation, stating, “There’s just things that are going to be out of your control. We’ll be fine. We’ll try to pick up the schedule like a normal day — eat something, get a nap, and get back here ready to go.” This game was pivotal for the Bruins as they aimed to recover from a challenging stretch, having lost four consecutive games (0-3-1) on home ice, including a significant third period collapse against the Canadiens.
McAvoy expressed optimism, noting that the break from games might provide a necessary mental reset, stating, “I think the time off was good. Everyone should be excited to come back.” The collective bargaining rules had restricted travel until the conclusion of the recent NHL holiday break, meaning teams faced the possibility of unforeseen issues upon returning to action.
Alongside the turbulence of travel, the Bruins had additional adjustments to make on the roster. Goalie Joonas Korpisalo returned to the lineup for his first start since allowing five goals in a previous game against the Senators. Injuries continued to impact the team, with Tanner Jeannot sidelined following an undisclosed injury, while defensemen Jonathan Aspirot and Henri Jokiharju, who is a former Sabre, accompanied the team on their trip, signaling progress in their recovery.
Such challenges often test a team’s resilience during a demanding season. However, optimism remains high as players look forward to regaining their footing. In a light-hearted moment amid the chaos, McAvoy’s young son received hockey gloves for Christmas, adding a joyful note to the family’s holiday experience.
As the Bruins head into their matchup in Buffalo, they remain hopeful that they can turn their recent struggles into an opportunity for growth and improvement on the ice.