The Boston Bruins kick off their second-ever siblings trip with a road game against the Chicago Blackhawks at United Center on Saturday night. Aiming for a sixth straight win, the team travels with family members for support amid injury uncertainties on defense. Joonas Korpisalo will start in goal for Boston.
The Bruins arrive in Chicago riding a five-game winning streak after sweeping a homestand, including a 27-save shutout by Korpisalo against Pittsburgh. Head coach Marco Sturm emphasized maintaining momentum on the road. "It’s easier when things are going well... The challenging part now is can you bring it on the road, too, now," Sturm said. "It’s a different environment, a different city…we’ve got to make sure we stay sharp and stay within our game."
This trip features siblings joining the team, a tradition started in February 2023. Defenseman Andrew Peeke is accompanied by his brother Trevor, appreciating the rare quality time. "It’s been great so far, being able to spend some 1-on-1 time," Peeke noted. "Just being able to have that but also share the experience with the life we get to live and travel and going to dinner and all that stuff. It’s really cool to spend that time with him."
Hampus Lindholm, on his second such trip, has his sister Malin along. She supported his career, including time in California where she played soccer for Long Beach State. "It means the world," Lindholm said. "She’s been supporting me all the way... We’re really close so it’s fun to have her around."
Injuries cloud the blue line: Lindholm last played January 3, Peeke left Thursday's game with a lower-body issue, and Jordan Harris has been out since October 21. Both Lindholm and Peeke skated in the morning but are game-time decisions. To prepare, Boston recalled Billy Sweezey from Providence. Sturm praised Sweezey as the P-Bruins' "motor" on and off the ice, capable of 12 minutes, penalty killing, and shot-blocking.
No changes to forward lines are planned. The Blackhawks, at 19-21-7 with 45 points, trail San Jose by six for the West's final playoff spot. Connor Bedard leads with 46 points (19 goals, 27 assists) in 35 games, while Tyler Bertuzzi has 24 goals in 44. Former Bruins Ryan Donato (18 points in 47 games), Matt Grzelcyk (11 points in 47), and Nick Foligno (9 points in 25) play for Chicago. Spencer Knight holds a 13-13-6 record, 2.61 GAA, and .910 save percentage in 32 games.
Chicago plans a pregame ceremony honoring their 2010s Stanley Cup teams from 2010, 2013 (versus Boston), and 2015. Sturm warned his team to stay focused despite the festivities.