What happened: Brady Tkachuk dropped his gloves immediately after the opening puck drop in Boston. The confrontation began before any offensive possession developed.

Why it matters: The early altercation mirrors his bout from March, when Tkachuk fought at the 0:01 mark before netting a game-winning goal. Establishing an aggressive physical tone right away remains central to his playing style.

What to watch: Disciplinary assessments and penalty box minutes will dictate his ice time for the remainder of the game.