Alright, folks.

We at Stanley Cup of Chowder are.

Before we go too far (and, if your’e reading this early enough) feel free to run down that last preseason rabbit hole here by learning about the Cologne Sharks (Koln Haie) and check in on the game/results for your hockey fix. Then, give our inaugural podcast for the 2018-2019 season a listen here, or in your preferred podcast app. You have all day to get hyped about the Bruins season-opener!

Alright, now that the housekeeping is out of the way, it’s time.

FOR.

THE.

PREVIEW

Just the Facts

Who: The Boston Bruins visit the Washington Capitals for their Stanley Cup banner ceremony, and then for some after-ceremony HOCKEY.

What: The first second game of the NHL season! (Technically, the Montreal Canadiens vs the Toronto Maple Leafs started first.)

When: 7:30 PM

Where: The aptly named Capital One Arena, Washington, D.C.

How to watch: NBCSN, TVAS

Rival SBN site: Japer’s Rink

Know your Enemy

It’s been nearly ten months since the Washington Capitals and the Boston Bruins last faced each other in December 2017. With dozens of game since, and zero games played thus far in the ‘18-’19 season, it’s hard to gauge the Capitals at this point. They’re returning largely the same roster, which contains your usual suspects Alex Ovechkin, Evgeny Kuznetsov, T.J. Oshie, and Brett Connolly, along with John Carlson returning on defense and Braden Holtby holding down the net. Also present would be noted garbage can Tom Wilson, if not for a pending in-person hearing with Player Safety any minute now. The in-person part is important because that step is required if the League plans to suggest a suspension beyond six games. This is the preseason, dude. If you’re that stressed, get a new job.

Game Notes

• Torey Krug is out for several, indeterminate weeks with what is hopefully a mild-to-moderate sprain to his previously-broken ankle. Speedy recovery, Torey, from your friends at SCoC.
• With Boston’s final roster moves on Monday, the last training camp holdouts in Peter Cehlarik and Trent Frederic were sent to Providence. Let’s hope that bodes well for their prospective call-ups, as there is ample opportunity for them this season with the departure of forwards Rick Nash, Riley Nash, (RIP “The Super Nash Brothers” nickname) and Tim Schaller in the offseason. Shed your final tear before puck drop.
• At the time of writing, no word on whether Lee Stempniak gets a real contract; the B’s are up against the limit for rostered players, so someone may have to be moved to the P-B’s later today if Lee sticks around. Fellow PTO player Daniel Winnik has departed for Europe.
• Also in question is the status of Anders Bjork. A long recovery from shoulder injury looked like it had been completed as shown by his play in his only preseason game, but perhaps management is cautious and gives him more time to recover?
• Still no word on whether Oscar the Grouch has asked to sublet space in Tom Wilson’s skull.

NEVER FORGET

Here’s the condensed game from the last time Boston played Washington. What we should really hope, though, is that the Bruins rookies never forget seeing another team lift a banner. Rocket fuel, baby. Never forget that.

HEY GUESS WHAT?

IT’S HOCKEY SEASON!!!!!!!