Faceoff is scheduled for 6:00 PM ET
Venue: Nationwide Arena, Columbus, OH
TV/Streaming: NHL Network, FDSNOH, NESN
2025-26 NHL Regular Season – Metropolitan/Atlantic Crossover (Late-Season Playoff Push for Columbus)
Team Records & Standings Context
The Bruins sit 4th in the Atlantic Division and are locked into a playoff spot (around 6th-7th in the Eastern Conference) with a 15-16-9 road record. Their 96 points reflect a resilient but streaky campaign under coach Marco Sturm, though they have hit a rough patch late.
The Blue Jackets are 5th in the Metropolitan Division (roughly 8th-10th in the East) and remain in the thick of the Eastern wild-card race with just a handful of games left. They hold a solid 20-11-8 home mark at Nationwide Arena and desperately need points to keep their postseason hopes alive. A regulation loss here could be costly depending on concurrent results.
Recent Team Form
Bruins (last 5-10 games): 1-4-0 in the last 5 (0-5-0 stretch including a 1-2 home loss to Tampa Bay on April 11). They have dropped five straight overall, with low-scoring affairs (e.g., 1-2 vs. TBL, 5-6 OT vs. CAR, 1-2 vs. PHI). Boston still averages ~3.06 goals per game but has been outscored lately while allowing 3.06 GAA.
Blue Jackets (recent form): 4-6-0 in their last 10 but coming off a strong 5-2 road win over Montreal on April 11 (Charlie Coyle: multi-point night). They split the prior week with a SO win at Detroit but were shut out 5-0 at Buffalo. Columbus scores at 3.08 GPG and allows 3.08, showing balance but inconsistency in the stretch run.
Injury Report
Bruins:
No major injuries reported. The lineup is expected to be near full strength following the April 11 game, with key contributors like Pavel Zacha, Elias Lindholm, and David Pastrnak available. Minor depth scratches possible but no significant absences.
Blue Jackets:
Dmitri Voronkov (LW) – OUT (upper body/hand; expected return April 14)
Damon Severson (D) – OUT (shoulder; season-ending)
Mathieu Olivier (RW) – OUT (upper body; season-ending)
Brendan Smith (D) – OUT (knee; season-ending)
Elvis Merzlikins is day-to-day but expected to start or be available. Depth calls have been used, but the blue line and secondary scoring are thinned.
Projected Lineups & Key Player Matchups
Bruins (projected, based on recent games):
Forwards: Morgan Geekie–Elias Lindholm–David Pastrnak; Casey Mittelstadt–Pavel Zacha–Viktor Arvidsson; Michael Eyssimont–Fraser Minten–Marat Khusnutninkov; Tanner Jeannot–Sean Kuraly–Mark Kastelic
Defense: Jonathan Aspirot–Charlie McAvoy; Nikita Zadorov–Andrew Peeke; Hampus Lindholm–Mason Lohrei
Goalies: Jeremy Swayman (likely) / Joonas Korpisalo
Key assets: Pastrnak’s scoring punch, McAvoy’s defensive presence, and Swayman’s reliability (.897 SV%).
Blue Jackets (projected):
Forwards: Kirill Marchenko–Adam Fantilli–Isac Lundeström; Cole Sillinger–Charlie Coyle–Conor Garland; Mason Marchment–Boone Jenner–Danton Heinen; Kent Johnson–Sean Monahan–Miles Wood
Defense: Zach Werenski–Dante Fabbro; Ivan Provorov–Denton Mateychuk; Jake Christiansen–Erik Gudbranson
Goalies: Elvis Merzlikins (expected) / Jet Greaves
Key assets: Fantilli/Marchenko chemistry, Werenski’s two-way play, and home desperation.
Notable Matchups:
Bruins’ top line (Pastrnak/Lindholm) vs. CBJ shutdown pair (Werenski/Fabbro).
Swayman vs. Merzlikins: Both have been steady, but Columbus’s goaltending has carried them lately.
Special teams: Bruins ~24% PP / solid PK; Blue Jackets opportunistic at home.
Series History
The Bruins lead the 2025-26 season series 2-0: 4-2 win at home (Feb. 26); 4-3 SO victory in Columbus (Mar. 29). Boston has historically dominated the all-time series, though Columbus went 2-1-0 against them last season. High-event games common in recent matchups.
Betting Trends
Bruins: On a 5-game losing skid; Under has hit in several recent low-output games. Road underdogs have been competitive but vulnerable.
Blue Jackets: Strong at Nationwide (20-11-8); Over/Under mixed but totals trend Under in 6 of last 9 Sunday games. Home desperation favors them.
Back-to-back/road: Bruins played yesterday; fatigue vs. rested CBJ at home.
Game Odds
Boston Bruins 6.5
Columbus Blue Jackets – 148
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Saturday, April 11, 2026
