Bruins vs. Blues: Swayman Starts as Clifton Returns to Boston’s Lineup
Boston brings a strong road record to St. Louis, where the Blues are chasing their first goal in three games. Swayman starts for the Bruins.
Boston’s response to its first regulation loss since Oct. 5 comes against a St. Louis team that hasn’t scored in two games. The Bruins carry a 9-3-1 record into Thursday’s matchup at Enterprise Center, while the Blues are 5-6-1 and have gone 123:55 without a goal. Jeremy Swayman will start for Boston, and Connor Clifton is set to return to the lineup.
The Bruins’ loss on Tuesday ended an eight-game point streak, but their early season numbers still show a team controlling both ends of the ice. Boston ranks fourth in goals per game at 3.77 and second in goals against per game at 2.15. The Bruins have won seven of their last nine and sit three points ahead of Montreal, Ottawa, Florida and Toronto atop the Atlantic Division.
Boston is 4-2-1 on the road. St. Louis has a 3-2-1 home record, but its recent scoring drought puts pressure on the matchup: the Blues were shut out in each of their last two games, despite putting 46 shots on goal against Montreal on Tuesday. Canadiens goaltender Jacob Fowler turned those chances aside.
The Blues are led by former Bruins head coach Jim Montgomery. Their projected lineup includes Brandon Carlo, who is preparing to face Boston for the fourth time in his career. Carlo was traded by Toronto to St. Louis on June 27 for two third-round picks. At the 2025 trade deadline, Boston had dealt him to Toronto in a package that brought Fraser Minten, a first-round pick and a fourth-round pick to the Bruins.
Clifton returns as Brunet sits
Clifton is expected to play on Boston’s third defensive pair alongside Mason Lohrei, who moves back to the left side. Frederic Brunet skated on the fourth pair at morning skate but will be a healthy scratch Thursday.
Coach Marco Sturm described Brunet’s scratch as a chance for the young defenseman to reset after getting stuck over the past two or three games. “He’s done a really good job,” Sturm told reporters in St. Louis, adding that the decision is part of the process with young players. He also said the Bruins have other players ready to step in, including Clifton.
Clifton has not played since Oct. 10, when Boston beat Philadelphia 5-1. He left the lineup after Charlie McAvoy returned from a six-game suspension. Before that, Clifton began the season on the third pair with Nikita Zadorov and took on a larger role during McAvoy’s absence. Clifton has one assist and averaged 20:38 of ice time.
“I played six good games. Obviously, we have eight really good D here, so it is what it is,” Clifton said. He added that he wants to pick up where he left off and play his game. Sturm also praised Clifton, Sean Kuraly and Artyom Aspirot for maintaining strong attitudes while out of the lineup, saying each would get opportunities.
Expected Bruins lineup
Forwards
JJ Peterka – Pavel Zacha – David Pastrnak
Marat Khusnutdinov – Fraser Minten – Morgan Geekie
Casey Mittelstadt – Elias Lindholm – James Hagens
Tanner Jeannot – Matt Poitras – Mark Kastelic
Defensemen
Hampus Lindholm – Charlie McAvoy
Source: Morning skate, Belle Fraser, Boston Bruins
Starting goalie
Jeremy Swayman (7-2-1, 2.19 GAA, .921 SV%). The start was confirmed by Adam Pellerin of NESN.
Expected Blues lineup
Forwards
Jake Neighbours – Robert Thomas – Jimmy Snuggerud
Pavel Buchnevich – Mason McTavish – Jonatan Berggren
Dylan Holloway – Dalibor Dvorsky – Connor McMichael
Alexey Toropchenko – Pius Suter – Aleksanteri Kaskimaki
Defensemen
Philip Broberg – Brandon Carlo
Cam Fowler – Colton Parayko
Justin Barron – Adam Jiricek
Source: Projected lineup, Lou Korac, NHL.com
Starting goalie
Joel Hofer (4-3-1, 2.40 GAA, .917 SV%). Lou Korac of NHL.com reported the start.
Special teams and schedule
Boston’s power play is converting at 22.0%, ranked 13th, while its penalty kill is at 80.4%, ranked 16th. St. Louis sits 14th on the power play at 21.9% and seventh on the penalty kill at 84.4%. With the Blues struggling to finish chances at even strength, special teams could offer one route to a change in the scoring pattern.
The Bruins swept last season’s series, winning both meetings 5-2. The teams meet again in Boston on Dec. 17 at 7 p.m. Thursday’s game starts at 8 p.m. ET, with coverage on NESN and 98.5 The Sports Hub.
Boston’s next games are against Chicago on Saturday, Oct. 31, at 1 p.m.; Vegas on Monday, Nov. 2, at 7 p.m.; Pittsburgh on Thursday, Nov. 5, at 7 p.m.; Florida on Sunday, Nov. 8, at 1 p.m.; and Montreal on Thursday, Nov. 12, at 7 p.m. The immediate test in St. Louis is whether the Bruins can turn their stronger season form into a clean response—and whether the Blues can finally break through.
