For the first time since August when the Tampa Bay Lightning eliminated the Bruins from the playoffs, it’s gameday. The Bruins take on the Devils tonight at 7:00 PM. You can watch the game on NESN, or listen to the game on 98.5 The Sports Hub.
With the departure of Torey Krug and Zdeno Chara, the left side is thin but Boston will have to see how the younger guys play. The main core is mostly still there and this is the beginning of what will likely be the Bruins last big run for a cup.
It’ll be interesting to see how the top line plays with Jack Studnicka filling in for the injured David Pastrnak. With this being the first game of the season, a lot of players will be rusty and look to shake the rust off.
KEYS TO THE GAME
- Limit turnovers
- Win the faceoff battle
- Get ahead early
- Play good defense
INJURY REPORT
BRUINS
David Pastrnak – OUT
Brad Marchand – GAME TIME DECISION
Karson Kuhlman – UNABLE TO PARTICIPATE
Craig Smith – GAME TIME DECISION
DEVILS
Nico Hischier – OUT
If Brad Marchand can’t play, Jake Debrusk would likely step into his role as the 1st line Left Wing.
If Craig Smith can’t play, maybe Trent Frederic or Chris Wagner will step into his role on the 3rd line.
PROJECTED LINES
*Marchand – Bergeron – Studnicka
Debrusk – Krejci – Kase
Ritchie – Coyle – *Smith
Bjork – Kuraly – Wagner
*game time decision
Lauzon – Mcavoy
Grzeclyk – Carlo
Zboril – Miller
Pretty expected with these lines. Hopefully Smith and Marchand play because if they don’t, inexperienced players will have to thrown into the lineup. That is something you never want especially in the season opener of a shortened season.