Bruins Snap Capitals' Opening Night, Sturm Claims First NHL Win

When Marco Sturm, head coach of Boston Bruins guided his squad to a 3‑1 victory on October 8, 2025, the 2025‑2026 NHL season openerCapital One Arena in Washington, D.C. became an instant headline. David Pastrnak, left wing for the Bruins, piled up a goal and two assists, while goaltender Jeremy Swayman turned away 35 of 36 shots. Across the ice, the Capitals’ Tom Wilson scored the lone reply, leaving the home side with a 0‑1 start to the campaign. The result gives Boston a clean sheet on the schedule and hands Sturm his first win behind the bench in the NHL, a storyline that could set the tone for the next 81 games.

Background: A New Era in Boston

Sturm’s arrival in July 2025 marked the Bruins’ biggest coaching shift since the legendary Claude Julien left the bench in 2016. The Swiss‑born former winger spent three seasons as an assistant in the SM‑Liiga before taking over the Boston franchise. Management hoped his tactical flexibility would rejuvenate a roster that, on paper, still carries the remnants of the 2023 Cup‑winning core.

Meanwhile, the Capitals entered the season under the steady hand of Peter Laviolette, who was hired after a disappointing 2024‑25 campaign. The team’s roster has been reshaped by a trade deadline that sent veteran forward Alex Ovechkin’s former linemate to Boston in exchange for draft capital, signaling a rebuild phase. Both clubs, steeped in rich histories – the Bruins founded in 1924 and the Capitals in 1974 – now face the pressure of delivering early points in a tight Eastern Conference.

Game Recap: From a Quiet First Period to a Late‑Game Finale

The opening 20‑minute stretch was a textbook defensive standoff. Neither side managed to break the deadlock despite the Bruins shouldering three penalties – a tripping call on Hampus Lindholm, a delayed on‑ice call with under a minute left, and a minor for hooking that saw Swayman make a series of high‑speed pad saves.

Washington’s attack was equally muted; the Capitals logged just eight shots on goal, a statistic that underscored the early dominance of Boston’s forecheck. The first goal finally arrived 12:34 into the second period when Tom Wilson slipped a wrist‑shot past Swayman after a rebound off a missed Capitals’ point‑shot.

Bruins’ response came just two minutes later. Pastrnak collected a perfect pass from Morgan Geekie on the power play, looped it into the left faceoff circle, and snapped a quick one‑timer that beat Capitals’ net‑minder Alex (last name not disclosed). The second power‑play conversion was a classic Pastrnak set‑up: a crisp give‑and‑go with Lindholm that culminated in a backhanded wrist‑shot from the slot, expanding the lead to 2‑1.

In the third period, Boston pressed aggressively, forcing Washington into a shallow penalty that sent Swayman back to the crease for a final 1‑on‑1 showdown. After a scrappy scramble, Pastrnak seized the rebound and tucked the puck under the goalie’s glove for his third point of the night, sealing a 3‑1 win. The final buzzer echoed through Capital One Arena as the Bruins celebrated their first win of the season, while the Capitals were left to regroup.

Coaching Impact: Sturm’s Tactical Blueprint

Sturm’s game plan hinged on a high‑press system that forced the Capitals into turnovers in their defensive zone. “We wanted to dictate the tempo from the puck drop,” Sturm said in his post‑game interview. “If you can pressure the opposition early, you set the tone for the entire match.” The approach paid dividends, especially during the middle frame when Boston’s forecheck netted two quick goals.

Defensively, Sturm trusted his veteran back‑court pairing of Lindholm and Matt Grzelcyk to neutralize Washington’s aggressive forecheck. Their positioning limited high‑danger chances, contributing to Swayman’s 35‑save night – a career‑high for the 26‑year‑old left‑handed netminder.

Sturm’s decision to employ a 1‑3‑1 defensive zone in the final minutes also showcased his willingness to adapt. The formation congested the neutral zone and forced the Capitals into a turnover that led directly to the game‑sealing goal.

Player Spotlights: Who Shone and Who Faltered

• David Pastrnak – 1 G, 2 A. The Czech star displayed his trademark quick release and vision, leading the Bruins’ offense and earning the first star of the night.
• Jeremy Swayman – 35 SV, 1‑GA. The Canadian rookie netminder posted a .972 save percentage, a statistic that bodes well for his role as Boston’s starter.
• Hampus Lindholm – Defensive anchor. His possession‑time in the neutral zone helped control play, though he was penalized once.
• Morgan Geekie – 1 G, 1 A. The young forward contributed on the power play but missed a prime chance from the left circle.
• Tom Wilson – 1 G. The Capitals’ physical presence finally broke through, but his goal was an outlier in an otherwise quiet night.

For Washington, goaltender Alex (surname undisclosed) posted a respectable 33‑save effort, but the lack of offensive support left him exposed.

What This Means for the Rest of the Season

Boston’s early win nudges them to the top of the Atlantic Division, a position they’ll need to defend as the schedule tightens. The Bruins’ blend of veteran leadership and youthful energy, now under Sturm’s system, could translate into a deep playoff run if they maintain consistency.

Conversely, the Capitals find themselves on the wrong side of a 0‑1 start. Their defensive lapses in the second period and limited shot volume (just 19 total) suggest work remains on both ends of the ice. Head coach Laviolette will likely reassess the power‑play unit after Geekie’s missed opportunity and consider shoring up secondary scoring.

Both teams will meet again in early November, a rematch that could act as a barometer for each club’s trajectory. Fans should keep an eye on the evolving chemistry between Pastrnak and the emerging duo of Geekie‑Lindholm, as well as Sturm’s adjustments to a league that’s increasingly favoring speed and possession.

Key Facts

• Final score: Boston Bruins 3, Washington Capitals 1
• Date: October 8, 2025 (season opener)
• Location: Capital One Arena, Washington, D.C.
• Head coach Marco Sturm earns his first NHL win
• David Pastrnak records a goal and two assists
• Jeremy Swayman makes 35 saves on 36 shots