Boston Bruins

A season of pandemic-era realignment, limited fan returns, and a second-round playoff exit.

The 2020–21 Boston Bruins season was the 97th season for the National Hockey League (NHL) franchise that was established on November 1, 1924. The Bruins entered the season as defending Presidents' Trophy and Atlantic Division champions. On December 20, 2020, the league temporarily realigned into four divisions with no conferences due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing closure of the Canada–United States border. As a result of this realignment, the Bruins played this season in the East Division, only facing opponents from within the new division in a shortened 56-game regular season, and the first two rounds of the playoffs.

Quick Facts

Notable stakes: Division titles and Playoff berths

Lore & Background

The 2020–21 season was defined by the COVID-19 pandemic. On December 20, 2020, the NHL temporarily realigned into four divisions with no conferences due to the pandemic and the ongoing closure of the Canada–United States border. The Bruins played in the East Division, facing only opponents from within that division in a shortened 56-game regular season and the first two playoff rounds. On March 25, spectators were allowed back into TD Garden with a limited capacity of 2,200—the first time fans were in attendance since March 7 of the previous year. Capacity increased to 25% on May 10, and starting May 29, the venue hosted fans at full capacity. The Bruins clinched a playoff berth on May 3 with a 3–0 win against the New Jersey Devils. In the playoffs, they eliminated the Washington Capitals in the first round in five games, then lost to the New York Islanders in the second round in six games.

Reader's Guide

The 2020–21 season was the 97th for the franchise established on November 1, 1924. The Bruins entered as defending Presidents' Trophy and Atlantic Division champions. On December 20, 2020, the NHL temporarily realigned into four divisions with no conferences due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing closure of the Canada–United States border. The regular season schedule was published on December 23, 2020. The 2020 NHL Entry Draft, originally scheduled for June 26–27 at the Bell Center in Montreal, was postponed on March 25, 2020, due to the pandemic. It was rescheduled and held virtually October 6–7 from the NHL Network studio in Secaucus, New Jersey.

Historical Context and Pandemic Realignment

The 2020–21 campaign marked the franchise's 97th season since its founding on November 1, 1924. Entering this year, the Bruins held the titles of defending Presidents' Trophy winners and Atlantic Division champions. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the closed border between Canada and the United States forced a radical restructuring of the league. On December 20, 2020, the NHL temporarily abandoned its traditional conference system in favor of four divisions. Boston was placed into the East Division, competing exclusively against opponents within that specific grouping. This realignment dictated a shortened regular season of only 56 games and confined their initial playoff matchups strictly to teams from this new divisional structure.

Return of Fans at TD Garden

After an extended period of playing behind closed doors due to health restrictions, the atmosphere at TD Garden began to shift on March 25, when spectators were permitted back for a home game with attendance capped at 2,200. This was the first time fans had attended a Bruins match since March 7 of the previous year. By May 10, capacity limits were raised to 25% of total seating. Starting May 29, the arena opened for games at full capacity.

Playoff Run and Season Conclusion

The Bruins secured their postseason spot on May 3 following a 3–0 victory over the New Jersey Devils. In the playoffs, they defeated the Washington Capitals in the first round in five games. Their season ended in the second round, losing to the New York Islanders in six games.