The Bruins are out on a mini road trip, facing the New Jersey Devils for the first night of a back-to-back to wrap up the series against them this season. It will be broadcast on NESN+ and MSG, on the radio on 98.5 the Sports Hub, and Devils Hockey Net, streaming on NHL.tv. Puck drop at 7:08 EDT.
Last time in Bruins Hockey…
The Bruins were playing the Devils, in hell (Newark), for the 7th time this season.
The Bruins dominated possession and shots in the first period, with 27 shot attempts, 17 of which were on goal, to 9 attempts, 4 of which required Tuukka’s attention. In spite of putting 17 shots on Wedgewood, Bruins would go into the first intermission with the game scoreless. The second period would be much the same, except the Bruins were able to drop a pair of goals on their opponents. The Devils would dig their heels in in the 3rd period, but would not be able to solve Tuukka, allowing the Bruins to win in a 3-0 shutout.
The Bruins are now at 31-14-6 which has them at 3rd in the MassMutual East division, 3 points behind the Penguins and the Caps, 1 ahead of the Isles. They have clinched a playoff spot, and have good odds of moving up in the standings since they have a game in hand vs the Caps & Isles, and 2 vs the Penguins. This really will only determine which of 3 possible matchups they will face in the first round of the playoffs. Their most likely first round opponent appears to be the Penguins.
What will be the lines today?
Well there is still a little movement with the forward lines.
The Injury Report: Ondrej Kaše is skating, Brandon Carlo should return to play after a long injury recovery. Mike Reilly should be back, with Kevan Miller getting another maintenance day.
Steven Kampfer is out, Connor Clifton is in.
Charlie Coyle will again play at wing with Sean Kuraly at center. Nick Ritchie will play on the left wing of the 3rd line. Jake DeBrusk will reprise his role on the 4th line, and Trent Frederic will return, pushing Karson Kuhlman off the lineup & giving Wags another day off.
Tuukka Rask is off, Jaroslav Halak will be in net tonight, with Jeremy Swayman as his backup.
| Bruins Forward Lines | ||
|---|---|---|
 Brad Marchand |
 Patrice Bergeron |
 David Pastrnak |
 #71 Taylor Hall |
 David Krejci |
 Craig Smith |
 Nick Ritchie |
 Sean Kuraly |
 Charlie Coyle |
 Jake DeBrusk |
#6 Curtis Lazar |
 Trent Frederic |
| Bruins Defensive pairs | ||
 Jeremy Lauzon |
 Charlie McAvoy |
|
 Matt Grzelcyk |
 Brandon Carlo |
|
#6 Mike Reilly |
 Connor Clifton |
|
| Bruins Goaltending | ||
| #41 Jaroslav Halak | (#1 Jeremy Swayman) |
Tonight’s opponent are the New Jersey Devils. The Devils have been hovering around the bottom of the division at 17-28-7, with a points percentage below .500. However, they have given the Bruins fits this season.
This will be the 8th meeting between these teams this season, with the Devils winning 4 of 7, losing two of the 3 in the shoot-out. The Devils have won 3 of their last 6 games.
(h/t Daily Faceoff and Devils’ team reporter Amanda Stein)
Devils Forwards
#59 Janne Kuokkanen — #86 Jack Hughes — #38 Yegor Sharangovich
#37 Pavel Zacha — #13 Nico Hischier — #63 Jesper Bratt
Nolan Foote — #90 Jesper Boqvist — #39 Nicholas Merkley
#44 Miles Wood — #20 Michael McLeod — #14 Nathan Bastian
Devils Defense
#22 Ryan Murray — #28 Damon Severson
#8 Will Butcher — #5 Connor Carrick
#88 Kevin Bahl — #7 Matt Tennyson
Devils Goaltending
#29 Mackenzie Blackwood
(#41 Scott Wedgewood)
Crap. Loser point
First OT unit looks like they just came off a 2 minute Pk shift.
Yup, 20 seconds behind Jo well one point secured
C’mon Bruins, win this in regulation.
Crap! One more Bruin’s goal and I was going to bed
I was sad, and now I’m not.
Kuraly looking a little better recently.
Njjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjce! Right back at ’em
BTW, Anders Bjork with two goals, so far, against Loses tonight
Jaro has been solid. Dude is always ready to play.