Bruins Hope to Carry Home Success on Road vs. Predators

Boston looks to end five-game road skid as playoff race heats up

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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The Boston Bruins, who are on an 11-game home win streak, will look to carry that success on the road as they take on the Nashville Predators on Thursday night. The Bruins have won only two road games this calendar year and are looking to break a five-game road skid. Meanwhile, the Predators are five points back of the final playoff spot in the West and have scored more than two goals in only one of their last five games.

Why it matters

This game is crucial for both teams as they jockey for playoff positioning. The Bruins are trying to solidify their hold on the final Eastern Conference wild-card spot, while the Predators are fighting to stay in the playoff race in the West. The outcome of this game could have significant implications for the postseason.

The details

The Bruins are coming off a 2-1 comeback win over the Pittsburgh Penguins on Tuesday, with Marat Khusnutdinov and Casey Mittelstadt scoring within 50 seconds of each other in the first period to erase an early deficit. Goaltender Jeremy Swayman made 34 saves in the victory. The Predators, meanwhile, are coming off a 3-2 loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets on Tuesday, in which they traded forwards Michael McCarron and Cole Smith during and after the game, respectively.

  • The Bruins and Predators will face off on Thursday, March 5, 2026.
  • The Predators' most recent game was a 3-2 loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets on Tuesday, March 3, 2026.

The players

Jeremy Swayman

The Bruins' starting goaltender, who made 34 saves in the team's 2-1 win over the Penguins on Tuesday.

Marco Sturm

The Bruins' head coach, who is hoping his team can carry their home success on the road as they make a playoff push.

Roman Josi

The Predators' captain, who said the team will miss the traded forwards Michael McCarron and Cole Smith, but must focus on their play to try to make the playoffs.

Andrew Brunette

The Predators' head coach, who said the team will miss the traded forwards Michael McCarron and Cole Smith, who were "big parts of our culture."

Ryan O'Reilly

The Predators' forward, who left Tuesday's game after taking a stick to the eye during a faceoff, with no update on his status.

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What they’re saying

“We've got to be comfortable in these kinds of tight games, especially down this playoff push.”

— Jeremy Swayman (statenews.net)

“We feel very comfortable, very confident at home. Even down a goal, no problem. Sometimes, it feels a little different on the road. When the other team scores, the crowd gets into it and now we have to react. ... We have to get better on the road.”

— Marco Sturm, Bruins Head Coach (statenews.net)

“We're going to miss two great people, two big parts of our culture in what they bring every day. ... Sad to see them go, but at the same time, hoping for the best. They're going to go to places that have a good opportunity to have a long run, further their career, but we're going to miss them.”

— Andrew Brunette, Predators Head Coach (statenews.net)

“We've got to move on. Obviously, it's not an easy time for a lot of guys, but all we can control is our play. You have to accept the business side. It's part of it and it's not fun, but all we can do as players is to play and hopefully get some wins.”

— Roman Josi, Predators Captain (statenews.net)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This game is a crucial matchup in the playoff race, as the Bruins look to solidify their hold on a wild-card spot and the Predators fight to stay in the postseason picture. The outcome could have significant implications for both teams' playoff hopes.