The NHL regular season heats up with an interconference matchup on December 29, 2025, as the Boston Bruins travel to face the Calgary Flames. The Bruins, struggling through a five-game losing streak, aim to regain momentum with their veteran core, while the Flames look to build on recent home victories and exploit Boston’s defensive vulnerabilities. This contest could feature gritty play, with Calgary’s physicality testing Boston’s resilience in a potential low-scoring affair.
Venue Location
The game will be held at Scotiabank Saddledome in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. This historic 19,289-capacity arena, located at 555 Saddledome Rise SE, opened in 1983 and is known for its intimate seating and passionate Flames fans, creating one of the league’s most energetic atmospheres.
Puckdrop is set for 9:00 PM ET (7:00 PM MT for Calgary viewers)
Broadcast: Available on ESPN+ nationally, with regional coverage on NESN for Bruins markets and Sportsnet West for Flames markets.
Injury Report
Both teams are dealing with absences that could impact forward depth and defensive pairings. Reports are as of December 28, 2025.
Boston Bruins:
Tanner Jeannot (LW): Day-to-day (undisclosed). He missed the December 27 game against Buffalo and remains questionable, potentially weakening physical presence on the bottom lines.
Matej Blumel (F): Activated from IR (lower body) but assigned to Providence on December 28; not expected to play.
Michael Callahan (D): Activated from IR (undisclosed) but assigned to Providence on December 28; no impact on NHL lineup.
Henri Jokiharju (D): Day-to-day (undisclosed). Practiced on December 28 but status uncertain; could affect blue-line rotation if out.
Calgary Flames:
Sam Honzek (LW): Out (upper body surgery). Placed on IR; expected to miss six months, significantly depleting forward depth (14 games missed).
Zayne Parekh (D): Out (upper body). Sidelined for 16 games; weakens defensive options.
Kevin Bahl (D): Day-to-day (illness). Missed one game; questionable for December 29.
Jonathan Huberdeau (LW): Day-to-day (undisclosed). Status uncertain; potential blow to top-line scoring if out.
Connor Zary (C): Out indefinitely (knee). Suffered in January 2025 but ongoing; major loss to center production.
These injuries may lead to increased minutes for backups, potentially resulting in more turnovers and open play.
Player Matchups
This interconference game spotlights veteran skill against emerging talent, with potential for physical battles. Key matchups to watch:
David Pastrnak (BOS RW) vs. MacKenzie Weegar (CGY D): Pastrnak’s elite shot and scoring (team-leading goals) against Weegar’s physical defense and shot-blocking. Weegar must contain Pastrnak’s one-timers to limit Boston’s power play.
Brad Marchand (BOS LW) vs. Jonathan Huberdeau (CGY LW, if available): Marchand’s agitation and two-way play vs. Huberdeau’s playmaking. Huberdeau’s undisclosed issue could shift this to a mismatch favoring Marchand.
Charlie McAvoy (BOS D) vs. Nazem Kadri (CGY C): McAvoy’s mobility and puck-moving vs. Kadri’s faceoff wins and net-front presence. McAvoy could exploit Kadri’s penalties if the game gets chippy.
Jeremy Swayman (BOS G) vs. Dan Vladar (CGY G): Swayman’s recent form (.910 SV%) against Vladar’s consistency. Vladar must stand tall against Boston’s volume shooters.
Boston’s top-end talent gives them an offensive edge, but Calgary’s depth could prevail if Huberdeau plays.
Boston ranks mid-pack in goals for but strong in goaltending, while Calgary excels in special teams but struggles with consistency.
Recent Team Forms
Boston is in a slump, while Calgary shows signs of improvement with recent wins.
Boston Bruins (Last 5 Games):
| Date | Opponent | Result | Key Notes |
| Dec 27 | vs BUF | L 1-4 | Shut down offensively; only one goal scored. nhl.com |
| Dec 23 | vs MTL | L 2-6 | Defensive collapse; allowed six goals. statmuse.com |
| Dec 21 | vs OTT | L (Zetterlund 2 goals) | Offensive struggles; extended losing streak. nhl.com |
| Dec 20 | vs VAN | L | Part of five-game skid. |
| Dec 19 | at MIN | L 4-5 | Close loss; five goals allowed. |
Form: L-L-L-L-L (0-5 in last 5). The Bruins are 1-9 in their last 10, with defensive issues allowing 4+ goals in most losses.
Calgary Flames (Last 5 Games):
| Date | Opponent | Result | Key Notes |
| Dec 27 | vs EDM | W 3-2 | Coleman late goal; edged Oilers. espn.com |
| Dec 23 | vs NSH | W 5-1 | Dominant; five goals scored. hockey-reference.com |
| Dec 4 | vs MIN | W 4-1 | Strong win; efficient offense. cbssports.com |
| Dec 2 | at NSH | L 1-5 | Blowout loss; defensive issues. cbssports.com |
| Dec 3 | vs NSH | L 1-5 | Allowed five goals; part of split. alm.com |
Form: W-W-W-L-L (3-2 in last 5). The Flames are 6-4 in their last 10, with improved offense in wins.
Series History
The Boston Bruins hold a commanding all-time edge over the Calgary Flames, leading 67-42-10 in 119 regular-season meetings. Boston has won 6 of the last 10 games, with a 4-1 record in the last five.
Recent Games:
December 17, 2024: Bruins 4-3 Flames.
February 6, 2024: Bruins 4-1 Flames.
January 18, 2024: Bruins 3-2 Flames (OT).
Calgary is 37-61-10 at home vs. Boston all-time. Games average 5.8 goals, trending over in recent high-scoring affairs.
Boston’s recent success provides a psychological boost, but Calgary’s home crowd could energize an upset.
Betting Trends
Boston Bruins: 19-20 ATS overall; 7-10 ATS on the road. The total has gone under in 6 of their last 10 games; 2-3 ATS in last 5 as underdogs.
Calgary Flames: 18-20 ATS; 9-9 ATS at home. The total has gone over in 5 of their last 10; 3-2 ATS in last 5 as favorites.
Head-to-Head Trends: Bruins 6-4 SU in last 10 vs. Flames; 5-5 ATS. Over 5.5 goals in 6 of 10 recent meetings.
League-Wide: Home favorites like the Flames are 55% ATS vs. sub-.500 road teams in December 2025.
Game Odds
Boston Bruins 6.5
Calgary Flames – 130
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Sunday, December 28, 2025
