Venue: TD Garden, Boston, Massachusetts
Broadcast: Sportsnet, NESN, ESPN+
The Edmonton Oilers (16-12-6) continue their five-game road trip with a visit to the Boston Bruins (20-14-0) in a cross-conference showdown featuring two Original Six franchises with star-powered offenses. Edmonton, led by Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, arrives as road favorites despite Boston’s strong home record and defensive structure under new coaching. This is the first of two meetings this season, with the rematch scheduled for early 2026 in Edmonton.
Injury Report (As of Thursday Morning – Subject to Updates)
Edmonton Oilers:
Kasperi Kapanen (lower body): Out (IR)
Connor Clattenburg (undisclosed): IR
Core stars McDavid, Draisaitl, Evan Bouchard, and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins fully healthy; Stuart Skinner expected in net.
Boston Bruins:
Jonathan Aspirot (undisclosed): IR
Several depth defensemen managing minor issues; blue line described as “running thin” with ongoing battles.
Key forwards like David Pastrnak, Brad Marchand, and Charlie Coyle available; Jeremy Swayman likely starting.
Both teams relatively healthy in top lines, but Boston’s defensive depth tested; no major absences for offensive leaders.
Key Player Matchups
Connor McDavid vs. Bruins Defense (Charlie McAvoy, Hampus Lindholm): McDavid’s elite speed and vision (~1.8 PPG pace) exploits Boston’s structured but injury-thinned blue line; McAvoy’s physicality key to containment.
Leon Draisaitl vs. Pavel Zacha/Top Lines: Draisaitl’s power-forward dominance and shot volume vs. Boston’s checking; expect heavy forechecking battles.
David Pastrnak vs. Oilers Defense (Mattias Ekholm, Evan Bouchard): Pasta’s one-timer and scoring touch (~40-goal pace) tests Edmonton’s transition D; Bouchard’s offensive joins could counter.
Goaltending Duel: Stuart Skinner (solid recent form) vs. Jeremy Swayman (Vezina contender when healthy); special teams and high-danger saves critical.
Power Play Battle: Edmonton’s top-ranked PP (McDavid/Draisaitl) vs. Boston’s improved PK; penalties could swing momentum.
Game likely high-event with star talent; physicality and special teams decisive.
Team Records and Standings Context
Edmonton Oilers: 16-12-6 (Mid-pack Pacific Division). Playoff contenders relying on offensive firepower.
Boston Bruins: 20-14-0 (Solid Atlantic Division position). Balanced but managing injuries.
Recent Team Form
Oilers: Mixed on road trip; strong offensive outputs but defensive lapses. Recent stretch shows McDavid/Draisaitl carrying (~4+ goals in wins); coming off competitive games.
Bruins: Winners in recent home stand, including 4-1 victory over Utah (Dec 16) with Morgan Geekie scoring twice. Improved structure; 6-4 in last 10, strong at TD Garden.
Boston refreshed at home; Edmonton seeking consistency away.
Series History
All-Time Regular Season: Bruins lead historically (~52-36-6 in some counts).
Recent (Last 10): Split, with Edmonton winning 4 of last 6 including shutouts and close games.
2025-26 Season: First meeting.
At TD Garden: Boston tough (won recent home meetings); but Oilers stars thrive in big spots.
Betting Trends
Oilers strong as moderate road favorites; overs in their games but unders trending vs. Eastern defenses.
Bruins profitable as home underdogs; low-scoring home games lately.
Game Odds
Edmonton Oilers – 135
Boston Bruins 6.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Wednesday, December 17, 2025
