If you’re staring at your calendar and wondering when is the next Bruins game, you’ve probably noticed the schedule is getting a bit chaotic as we move deeper into January. It's that mid-season grind. The Bruins are coming off a high-energy stretch at the TD Garden, including that emotional night where Zdeno Chara’s No. 33 finally hit the rafters. But now, the bags are packed.
Honestly, it feels like the team is never in one place for more than forty-eight hours lately. If you missed the win against the Kraken on Thursday night, don't worry. The boys are heading to the Windy City.
The next Bruins game is happening Saturday, January 17, 2026, against the Chicago Blackhawks.
Puck drop is set for 8:00 PM EST (7:00 PM local time in Chicago). You can catch this one on NESN if you're in the New England area, or CHSN if you're out near the United Center. For those of us streaming, it'll be the usual suspects—ESPN+ and the NHL power play packages.
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Breaking Down the Upcoming Bruins Schedule
The Blackhawks game is just the start of a fairly intense road trip. After Chicago, the team flies down to Texas to deal with the Dallas Stars. That’s a Tuesday night game, January 20, starting at 8:30 PM EST.
It’s a tough back-to-back travel situation.
But then, things get interesting. The B's head back home for a quick stint at the Garden. On Thursday, January 22, the Vegas Golden Knights come to town. It’s "Hockey Is for Everyone" night, which always brings a great vibe to the arena. Then, the biggest rivalry in hockey (sorry, not sorry, Toronto) resumes on Saturday, January 24, when the Montreal Canadiens visit Boston.
Here is the quick rundown of the next few matchups:
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- Jan 17: at Chicago Blackhawks (8:00 PM EST)
- Jan 20: at Dallas Stars (8:30 PM EST)
- Jan 22: vs. Vegas Golden Knights (7:00 PM EST)
- Jan 24: vs. Montreal Canadiens (7:00 PM EST)
- Jan 26: at New York Rangers (7:00 PM EST)
The Stadium Series Hype is Real
Looking a bit further out, everyone is talking about February 1. The Bruins are heading to Tampa, but they aren't playing in an arena. They’re playing at Raymond James Stadium—home of the Buccaneers—for the NHL Stadium Series.
It's the first time the league has tried to keep ice frozen in a Florida football stadium. Bold move.
The NHL is actually using a massive, 34-foot-high air-conditioned tent just to build the rink before the game. If you're planning on going, tickets are hovering around $240 right now. It's pricey, but it’s basically a piece of history.
Where the Bruins Stand Right Now
As of today, January 16, the Bruins are sitting with a record of 27-19-2. That’s 56 points, good enough for 4th in the Atlantic Division. It’s a crowded house up there. Marco Sturm has this team playing a very specific, disciplined style, but the "Goals Against" column is still a little higher than fans would like to see.
Swayman has been a beast lately, though. He just put up back-to-back shutouts against the Penguins and Red Wings earlier this month. When he’s on, the Bruins are basically impossible to beat.
Key Injuries and Roster Moves
Keep an eye on the defensive pairings for the next few games. The team just recalled Billy Sweezey on an emergency basis today. Usually, that means someone is nursing a "maintenance day" injury or something more serious that hasn't been fully disclosed yet.
Also, David Pastrnak was just named the NHL Third Star of the Week. He's been on an absolute tear. If you're betting on when is the next Bruins game to see some scoring, Saturday in Chicago is a good bet. The Blackhawks are rebuilding, and Pastrnak tends to feast on younger defensive cores.
How to Watch the Next Bruins Game
If you are a cord-cutter, the struggle is real.
NESN 360 is the primary way to go if you’re in-market. If you aren't, ESPN+ is your best friend, though you'll have to deal with blackouts if the game is being broadcast nationally on TNT or ABC.
The Chicago game on the 17th is a regional broadcast, so most out-of-market fans should be able to stream it without a hitch.
Why the Chicago Matchup Matters
You might think playing a struggling Chicago team is a "gimme." It's not.
The Bruins have a weird habit of playing down to their competition sometimes. Plus, the United Center is a loud building. With the Bruins coming off a five-game winning streak (including that tight 4-2 win over Seattle), they have a massive target on their backs.
The Blackhawks are young and fast. If the Bruins get lazy on the transition, it could be a long night.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans
If you're looking to follow the action for the rest of January, here is what you should actually do:
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- Check the Jersey Schedule: If you’re heading to the Garden for the Vegas or Montreal games, remember the theme nights. The Chara retirement ceremony is over, but the energy in the building is still riding that wave.
- Download the NHL App: Set your notifications for "Goal Alerts" and "Game Start." With these varying start times (8:00 PM, 8:30 PM, 7:00 PM), it’s easy to miss the first period.
- Monitor the Stadium Series Updates: If you’re thinking about Florida in February, start looking at flights to Tampa (TPA) now. Prices are spiking because of the Stadium Series and the local interest in seeing the B's outdoors.
- Watch the Waiver Wire: With the Sweezey recall, watch the morning skate reports on Saturday to see who is actually taking the ice in Chicago.
The Bruins are in a prime position to climb the Atlantic rankings this month. Every point matters, especially against Western Conference teams like the Blackhawks and Stars where you can't afford to leave "charity points" on the table.