Bruins Eager to Return to Playoffs After Year-Long Drought

Goalie Jeremy Swayman and defenseman Nikita Zadorov discuss the motivation to make the playoffs after missing out last season.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 6:23pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a Bruins hockey game, with sharp, overlapping planes of black, gold, and white representing the dynamic action on the ice.The Bruins' return to the NHL playoffs after a one-year drought has the team energized and eager to recapture the electric atmosphere of the postseason.Boston Today

The Boston Bruins are eager to return to the NHL playoffs this season after missing out last year, which the players described as a long and difficult offseason without postseason hockey. Goalie Jeremy Swayman and defenseman Nikita Zadorov both emphasized how much they missed the playoff atmosphere and how it serves as a big motivation for the team this year.

Why it matters

The Bruins have been a consistent playoff team in recent years, making the postseason eight straight seasons before last year's drought. Missing the playoffs was a rare occurrence for the franchise and the players, who thrive on the energy and excitement of the NHL playoffs, especially in a hockey-crazed city like Boston.

The details

Swayman said the long summer without playoff hockey made the team really appreciate how special it is to compete in the postseason. Zadorov, who signed with the Bruins prior to the 2024-25 season in part because of the team's playoff consistency, echoed those sentiments. The big defenseman is looking forward to the playoff atmosphere, recalling his first career playoff game with the Avalanche in 2018 when the Nashville crowd was 'buzzing' and he had 'goosebumps' during warmups.

  • The Bruins missed the playoffs for the first time in eight seasons last year.
  • Zadorov signed with the Bruins prior to the 2024-25 season.

The players

Jeremy Swayman

The Bruins' starting goaltender who will be between the pipes for Game 1 of the playoffs.

Nikita Zadorov

A defenseman who signed with the Bruins prior to the 2024-25 season in part because of the team's consistent playoff appearances.

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What they’re saying

“That's why we play hockey is to play playoffs, especially for the city of Boston. It's unmatched to any other city and we're really excited.”

— Jeremy Swayman, Bruins Goaltender

“Yeah, I mean that was the goal coming in here, play those meaningful games. I mean, we're not done yet. Obviously, it's an exciting time right now for sure.”

— Nikita Zadorov, Bruins Defenseman

What’s next

The Bruins will face the Buffalo Sabres in Game 1 of the first round of the playoffs on Sunday. Zadorov is looking forward to the 'nuts' atmosphere at KeyBank Center, recalling the energy of his first career playoff game with the Avalanche in 2018.

The takeaway

The Bruins' return to the playoffs this season after missing out last year has the team highly motivated to make the most of their postseason opportunity. The players, especially those with prior playoff experience, understand the unique energy and excitement that comes with competing in the NHL playoffs, especially in a hockey-crazed market like Boston.