Things to know: Bruins vs. Canadiens

BOSTON – After signing his new eight-year contract over the weekend, Jeremy Swayman will make his season debut for the Bruins when they open their home opener against the Montreal Canadiens at TD Garden on Thursday night.

“I love his confidence with the team,” Hampus Lindholm said. “I've been playing with him for a few years now, he's a guy who supports the team and the culture – we have a lot of trust in him and he has a lot of trust in us. It will be fun to play in front of him.”

Boston will be hoping to be buoyed by the return of Swayman in net and return to the Causeway Street friendly after a disappointing start to the season in Florida on Tuesday night.

“You want to get back on the horse as quickly as possible,” said Lindholm. “It's the first game, we don't really invest much in it. We know we have to play much better here at home against Montreal. It will be a fun start to the season at TD Garden.”

Coach Jim Montgomery said the Bruins need to “significantly” improve their urgency, fast-paced play and winning battles to be successful.

“We were porous in Game 1 and the great thing about sports is that tonight we have the opportunity to respond and show what we're made of and show a better version of the Boston Bruins,” Montgomery said.