The Boston Bruins host the Columbus Blue Jackets at TD Garden on February 26, 2026, in what looks like one of the most competitive matchups of the night. Both teams are in strong form and fighting for important points, making this game closer than the odds suggest. Boston enters with a strong home record and one of the league’s most efficient power plays, while Columbus arrives with excellent recent momentum after a winning stretch.
This matchup brings an interesting contrast in styles. The Bruins rely on structure, special teams, and star power from David Pastrnak and Morgan Geekie. The Blue Jackets, on the other hand, play a physical, aggressive game around the net and have been scoring consistently during their recent run. With both teams averaging over three goals per game and defensive numbers close to each other, the contest could turn into either a tight playoff-style battle or a high-scoring game depending on early momentum.
Match Information
| Match | Columbus Blue Jackets vs Boston Bruins |
|---|---|
| Date | February 26, 2026 |
| Time | 7:00 PM ET |
| Venue | TD Garden, Boston |
| TV | ESPN+ |
| Moneyline | Bruins slight favorites (-115 range) |
| Puck Line | Bruins -1.5 (+200 range) |
| Total | 6.5 Goals |
Team Season Performance
| Category | Bruins | Blue Jackets |
|---|---|---|
| Record | 32-20-5 | 29-20-7 |
| Goals Per Game | 3.4 | 3.1 |
| Goals Against | 3.1 | 3.1 |
| Goal Differential | +14 | -2 |
| Power Play | 26.35% (3rd NHL) | 19.7% |
Boston owns the better offensive numbers and a major edge on special teams, while Columbus has been more balanced defensively in recent games.
Recent Form & Last Games
| Team | Last 10 Games | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bruins | 6-1-3 | Averaging 4 goals per game |
| Blue Jackets | 9-1-0 | Allowed only 2 goals per game |
| Bruins Home Record | 21-8-1 | Nine straight home wins |
| Blue Jackets Road | Competitive | Won multiple recent road games |
Columbus enters this matchup as one of the hottest teams in the league, but Boston’s home dominance at TD Garden remains a major factor.
Projected Lineups
Boston Bruins
Forwards
- Brad Marchand – Pavel Zacha – David Pastrnak
- Jake DeBrusk – Charlie Coyle – Trent Frederic
- Morgan Geekie – Matthew Poitras – Danton Heinen
- Johnny Beecher – Jesper Boqvist – Jakub Lauko
Defense
- Hampus Lindholm – Charlie McAvoy (Game-time decision)
- Matt Grzelcyk – Brandon Carlo
- Derek Forbort – Kevin Shattenkirk
Goalies
- Jeremy Swayman (Projected)
- Linus Ullmark
Columbus Blue Jackets
Forwards
- Johnny Gaudreau – Adam Fantilli – Kirill Marchenko
- Alexandre Texier – Boone Jenner – Dmitri Voronkov
- Kent Johnson – Cole Sillinger – Yegor Chinakhov
- Eric Robinson – Sean Kuraly – Justin Danforth
Defense
- Zach Werenski – Damon Severson
- Ivan Provorov – Erik Gudbranson
- Jake Bean – David Jiricek
Goalies
- Elvis Merzlikins (Projected)
- Daniil Tarasov
Also see: Penguins vs. Devils Prediction: Lineup, Last Games, Injury Report
Injury Report
Boston Bruins
| Player | Status |
|---|---|
| Charlie McAvoy | Game-time decision |
| Other key players | Available |
Boston enters largely healthy, with McAvoy’s availability being the only major uncertainty.
Columbus Blue Jackets
| Player | Status |
|---|---|
| Brendan Smith | Out (Leg injury) |
| Core lineup | Healthy |
Columbus comes into the game structurally intact, which supports their strong recent form.
Key Players to Watch
| Bruins | Blue Jackets |
|---|---|
| David Pastrnak – 70 points | Zach Werenski – 62 points |
| Morgan Geekie – 32 goals | Kirill Marchenko – 46 points |
| Brad Marchand | Adam Fantilli |
| Jeremy Swayman (G) | Jet Greaves / Merzlikins (G) |
Boston’s offense runs through Pastrnak and its top power-play unit, while Columbus relies on Werenski and its aggressive net-front attack.
Head-to-Head & Trends
| Trend | Insight |
|---|---|
| Bruins at Home | 9 straight wins |
| Blue Jackets at TD Garden | Lost 5 of last 6 |
| H2H Overall | Bruins lead recent meetings |
| Total Trend | Many recent Bruins games hitting Over |
Boston holds a clear historical and home advantage in this matchup.
Player Props to Watch
| Player | Prop Angle |
|---|---|
| David Pastrnak | Anytime point / Over points |
| Morgan Geekie | Anytime goal |
| Charlie McAvoy | Over 0.5 assists (if active) |
| Zach Werenski | Over 0.5 assists |
| Adam Fantilli | Over 0.5 points |
Geekie’s scoring form and Pastrnak’s power-play role make them key offensive targets.
Also see: Maple Leafs vs Panthers Prediction: Lineup, Last Games, Injury Report, Player Props,
Best Picks for Bruins vs Blue Jackets
| Market | Pick |
|---|---|
| Moneyline | Bruins |
| Puck Line | Blue Jackets +1.5 (safer angle) |
| Total | Lean Under 6.5 |
| Alternate View | Over also in play if game opens early |
| Prop Pick | Pastrnak Anytime Point |
Match Prediction
This game is expected to be tight and competitive. Columbus’ recent form makes them dangerous, but Boston’s strong structure and dominant home record give them the edge. If McAvoy plays, Boston’s defensive stability improves significantly.
Predicted Score:
Bruins 3 – Blue Jackets 2
Expect a playoff-style contest where both teams play disciplined hockey. The Bruins’ home advantage and elite power play make them the slight favorite, but Columbus’ recent momentum should keep the game close. A one-goal margin looks likely, making Bruins moneyline or Blue Jackets +1.5 the safest betting angles.
