NHL officially delays Boston Bruins-Seattle Kraken game: Official announcement

Instead of a 7 pm puck drop at TD Garden, the game has officially been pushed back to an 8 pm start, a move confirmed by league and team sources.

While the one-hour delay may not seem drastic, it carries significance for fans, broadcasters, and the Bruins' game night routine.

According to the announcement, the change is tied directly to a special pregame ceremony planned for that evening.

Fans attending the game are being encouraged to arrive early and be in their seats by 6:10 pm, despite the later puck drop. That detail signals the importance of what is scheduled before the game even begins.

The pregame ceremony will be hosted by former Bruins captain Andrew Ference, adding extra meaning to the night.

Ference remains a respected figure in Boston, remembered for his leadership during the Bruins' 2011 Stanley Cup run and his connection to the organization.

The Bruins clearly want to ensure the ceremony has proper space and attention, rather than being rushed to accommodate a standard puck drop.

For the players, it means slight adjustments to their routine. Warmups, meal timing, and mental preparation all shift subtly when a game starts later than usual. Teams are creatures of habit, but these changes are manageable with advance notice.

The organization made sure to communicate the update well ahead of time, giving fans the chance to plan travel, parking, and evening schedules accordingly. Seattle remains the opponent, and the game itself still carries full importance in the standings.

Nothing changes on the ice, only the clock. For Bruins fans circling January 15 on their calendar, the message is simple.

Arrive early, expect a later puck drop, and prepare for a night that blends Bruins history with regular season hockey. The NHL has spoken, and the schedule is officially set.