Charlie McAvoy just found out the Northeastern pep band will play the Bruins' Homecoming game at TD Garden, and the defenseman was thrilled.
It's college week in Boston. The Bruins spent Day 1 at Causeway U, with gold buckets and Hometown Remix gear on display at practice, and McAvoy went back to the BU campus to reflect on his time as a Terrier.
Then somebody told him about the band. Jack Studley caught the reaction this afternoon.
McAvoy's first response was disbelief: "In front of a band? Is there a band tomorrow? … You're kidding me." He quickly added that "the Dog Pound doesn't mess around."
The Bruins' own account shared more of what he said about it.
"That's awesome, that's gonna be so cool. Really unique," McAvoy said, calling it by far one of his favorite things that he remembers about college sports. For a guy who played at Boston University before becoming a first-round pick, the pull of that atmosphere is obvious.
Thursday's opponent adds to the mood. Marco Sturm made it clear to reporters that Marco Sturm's pick for the Bruins' biggest rivalry is Montreal, and he didn't pause before answering.
Why Canadiens night already feels bigger for the Bruins
Start with the schedule. McAvoy admitted he hadn't even realized the Bruins had played almost no division games this season.
Jack Studley passed along his thoughts on the matchup too.
"I didn't even realize we hadn't played like really any division games," McAvoy said, adding that you're "kind of just in the flow" during a season. It's a fair point, because the Atlantic race is already tight.
Boston is 13-4-1 and sits first in the division, riding a four-game win streak. The Canadiens are second in the Atlantic at 11-3-4, and they lost in overtime to Minnesota on Tuesday.
Jacob Fowler is expected in the Montreal net. He stopped 22 of 24 shots in that Minnesota game, so the Bruins will see a goalie in rhythm.
Add a band, a rival and a first-place spot on the line, and it's easy to see why McAvoy sounds eager. He was also Charlie McAvoy's trip to the room against Florida on Sunday, so he's keeping up the intensity.
The band is confirmed for Thursday, and puck drop against Montreal follows at TD Garden.
Should the Bruins bring a college pep band to every home game?
Quick hits
CALGARY FLAMESSam Honzek has been activated off injured reserve and assigned to the Calgary Wranglers, per the AHL website, ahead of the Rangers game. A small step, but he is back on the ice.
CHICAGO BLACKHAWKSKyle Davidson announced that Mark Eaton will join the coaching staff full time, starting Monday. It is a notable shakeup behind the bench.
PITTSBURGH PENGUINSSam Girard is back in the lineup tonight in San Jose, according to coach Dan Muse. Good news for a blue line that wanted him back.
GOALIE MATCHUPDucks coach Joel Quenneville has named Laurent Brossoit his starter against the Predators tonight. Anaheim wants to see how its veteran handles a big one.
VEGAS GOLDEN KNIGHTSThe morning skate lines for tonight's game against Utah are out, and Parker Wotherspoon is expected back on defense. Vegas tweaks the blue line.
This article was written with the help of artificial intelligence, based on public reports and official sources.
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