Denver, October 19, 2025
News Summary
The Boston Bruins will play against the Colorado Avalanche in Denver on October 18, aiming to break a two-game losing streak. The game, starting at 9 p.m. EDT at Ball Arena, comes as the Bruins look for stabilization following recent losses. With lineup changes including Johnny Beecher’s season debut, both teams are looking to assert their presence early in the season. The Avalanche, holding a strong record, will be a formidable opponent, especially with Nathan MacKinnon’s impressive performance at home.
Denver —
Bruins visit Avalanche in Denver on Saturday, Oct. 18
The Boston Bruins will play against the Colorado Avalanche on Saturday, October 18. The game is scheduled to start at 9 p.m. EDT. The venue for the game is Ball Arena in Denver. The matchup opens a critical stop on the Bruins’ road schedule as they seek to stop a two-game skid and contend with an Avalanche club that started the season strongly.
How to watch
The game will be broadcast on NESN, Altitude Sports, KTVD, and ESPN+. Fans can watch the game for free using DirecTV (offers a free trial) or FuboTV (includes a free trial and up to $30 off the first month). SlingTV does not offer a free trial but has promotional offers available for streaming the game. Those evaluating streaming options can note that DirecTV is an online TV service that provides a variety of entertainment, news, and sports channels. FuboTV offers more than 200 channels, including sports and entertainment options. SlingTV offers live programming starting at $20 per month, including a month of DVR Plus free. ESPN provides access to various sports content, including NHL games, for $11.99/month or as a bundle with Disney+ and Hulu for $16.99/month.
Lineup changes and player notes
Bruins head coach Marco Sturm has made changes to the forward lines for this game. The roster adjustments include a mix of veteran and younger forwards positioned to match the Avalanche’s speed and skill. Johnny Beecher will make his season debut on the fourth line with Sean Kuraly and Mark Kastelic. Beecher had 11 points (3 goals, 8 assists) in 78 games with the Bruins last season. To bolster offense and balance lines, Pavel Zacha has been moved up to the first line with Elias Lindholm and David Pastrnak. The second line will feature a new centering option as Casey Mittelstadt will center the second line with Morgan Geekie and Mikey Eyssimont. On the third line, Viktor Arvidsson has been placed on the third line with Tanner Jeannot and Fraser Minten. Other forwards, Marat Khusnutdinov and Jeffrey Viel, will not play in this game. In net, Jeremy Swayman is expected to be the Bruins’ goaltender for the game.
Immediate context and stakes
The Bruins are looking to bounce back from a 6-5 loss to the Vegas Golden Knights, marking their second straight loss by 1 goal. The defeat increased urgency on a three-game road swing as Boston seeks stabilization in both special teams and defensive coverage. The game is part of a three-game road trip for the Bruins.
The Avalanche enter the matchup with momentum. The Colorado Avalanche currently hold a record of 4-0-1, with their only loss coming in a shootout against the Dallas Stars. The Avalanche have won two consecutive games, allowing only 1 goal in each. Colorado’s strong start includes an aggressive push for a sustained point streak, and The Avalanche have a strong start to the season, aiming for a franchise record point streak of 11 games. At Ball Arena, top-line center Nathan MacKinnon has been especially productive; Nathan MacKinnon has scored six points (4 goals, 2 assists) in three home games at Ball Arena. In a recent meeting between the teams, MacKinnon scored twice in the game against the Bruins, leading to a 4-1 win for the Avalanche.
Matchup overview
The game pits Boston’s adjusted forward group and goaltending plan against Colorado’s depth and home-ice advantage. Special teams, puck management in the neutral zone, and matchup deployment will be key factors. Boston’s line changes are designed to create balance across three forward units while keeping physicality and forecheck pressure. Colorado will look to maintain defensive structure while generating offense from its top lines.
Practical details
- Date and time: Saturday, October 18, at 9 p.m. EDT.
- Location: Ball Arena, Denver.
- Television/streaming: NESN, Altitude Sports, KTVD, ESPN+; streaming options include DirecTV, FuboTV, SlingTV, and ESPN subscription plans as noted above.
- Bruins notes: Line changes and roster exclusions as listed; Swayman expected in goal.
- Avalanche notes: 4-0-1 record and strong home scoring from Nathan MacKinnon.
FAQ
When and where is the game?
The Boston Bruins will play against the Colorado Avalanche on Saturday, October 18.
The game is scheduled to start at 9 p.m. EDT.
The venue for the game is Ball Arena in Denver.
How can I watch the game?
The game will be broadcast on NESN, Altitude Sports, KTVD, and ESPN+.
Fans can watch the game for free using DirecTV (offers a free trial) or FuboTV (includes a free trial and up to $30 off the first month).
SlingTV does not offer a free trial but has promotional offers available for streaming the game.
What lineup changes did the Bruins make?
Bruins head coach Marco Sturm has made changes to the forward lines for this game.
Johnny Beecher will make his season debut on the fourth line with Sean Kuraly and Mark Kastelic.
Beecher had 11 points (3 goals, 8 assists) in 78 games with the Bruins last season.
Pavel Zacha has been moved up to the first line with Elias Lindholm and David Pastrnak.
Casey Mittelstadt will center the second line with Morgan Geekie and Mikey Eyssimont.
Viktor Arvidsson has been placed on the third line with Tanner Jeannot and Fraser Minten.
Other forwards, Marat Khusnutdinov and Jeffrey Viel, will not play in this game.
Jeremy Swayman is expected to be the Bruins’ goaltender for the game.
What is the Avalanche’s current record and recent form?
The Colorado Avalanche currently hold a record of 4-0-1, with their only loss coming in a shootout against the Dallas Stars.
The Avalanche have won two consecutive games, allowing only 1 goal in each.
The Avalanche have a strong start to the season, aiming for a franchise record point streak of 11 games.
Nathan MacKinnon has scored six points (4 goals, 2 assists) in three home games at Ball Arena.
MacKinnon scored twice in the game against the Bruins, leading to a 4-1 win for the Avalanche.
What streaming services are described?
DirecTV is an online TV service that provides a variety of entertainment, news, and sports channels.
FuboTV offers more than 200 channels, including sports and entertainment options.
SlingTV offers live programming starting at $20 per month, including a month of DVR Plus free.
ESPN provides access to various sports content, including NHL games, for $11.99/month or as a bundle with Disney+ and Hulu for $16.99/month.
Quick reference
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Date | Saturday, October 18 |
| Start time | 9 p.m. EDT |
| Venue | Ball Arena, Denver |
| Television | NESN, Altitude Sports, KTVD, ESPN+ |
| Streaming options | DirecTV (free trial), FuboTV (free trial + up to $30 off), SlingTV (promotions), ESPN subscription plans |
| Bruins expected goalie | Jeremy Swayman |
| Bruins recent result | 6-5 loss to Vegas Golden Knights (second straight 1-goal loss) |
| Avalanche record | 4-0-1 |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Mile High Hockey: Open Thread Colorado Avalanche vs Boston Bruins
- NHL.com: Need to Know Bruins at Avalanche
- ESPN: Game Recap
- Denver Post: Avalanche vs Bruins Preview
- Wikipedia: Boston Bruins
- Boston Hockey Now: Casey Mittelstadt Analysis
- Sportsbook Wire: Colorado vs Boston Betting Odds
- Google Search: Colorado Avalanche vs Boston Bruins October 18, 2025
- Colorado Hockey Now: Game Preview
- Encyclopedia Britannica: NHL
- NHL Video: Game Recap
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