The National Hockey League (NHL) has announced the cancellation of the upcoming game between the Boston Bruins and the Columbus Blue Jackets, originally scheduled for December 27, 2024, at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio. This decision comes in the wake of several challenges affecting both teams.
The Boston Bruins are currently undergoing significant organizational changes. On November 19, 2024, the team dismissed head coach Jim Montgomery following a series of disappointing performances, including a 5-1 loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets. Associate Coach Joe Sacco has assumed interim head coaching duties.
In addition to the coaching upheaval, the Bruins have been contending with a series of injuries to key players, further complicating their lineup and game readiness.
The Columbus Blue Jackets have also faced their share of disruptions. A recent incident involving the cancellation of a planned tribute video for former player Patrik Laine has stirred controversy within the organization. Laine’s candid remarks about his reasons for requesting a trade, citing a culture of complacency towards losing, led to the last-minute decision to forgo the tribute during his return to Columbus.
These internal challenges have prompted the NHL to cancel the December 27 game, prioritizing the teams’ needs to address their respective issues. The league has not yet announced a rescheduled date for the matchup. Fans holding tickets for the original game are advised to monitor official team communications for information regarding refunds or future scheduling.
Both the Bruins and the Blue Jackets are expected to use this time to regroup and address the internal matters at hand. The NHL remains committed to ensuring the well-being of its teams and the integrity of the game as it navigates these challenges.
