The Bruins return to action on Saturday where they will face another crucial Atlantic Division matchup.
Boston received three days off following a declaration victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning at TD Garden on Tuesday. The Black and Gold are well aware of what needs to be done to secure a playoff spot, and they hope to extend their winning streak to three games with a victory against the Ottawa Senators.
Interim head coach Joe Sacco confirmed that Cole Koepke will not play on Saturday after suffering an upper body injury on Tuesday. Mark Kastelic’s status remains a game decision after he cross-checked against Tampa Bay last week. The forward participated in morning skate Friday and hoped to play again in Ottawa against his former team.
Hampus Lindholm trained in a non-contact jersey this week but will not play on Saturday. Linus Ullmark has been out of the Senators’ lineup since Dec. 22 due to a back injury and is not expected to face his former team.
Puck drop for Boston-Ottawa at the Canadian Tire Center is scheduled for 3 p.m. ET, and you can enjoy full coverage on NESN after an hour of pregame.
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Here are the projected lines and defensive pairings for the Bruins and Senators.
BOSTON BRUINS (22-19-5)
Morgan Geekie — Pavel Zacha — David Pastrnak
Brad Marchand — Elias Lindholm — Vinni Lettieri
Trent Frédéric — Matthew Poitras — Charlie Coyle
Justin Brazeau-John Beecher-Mark Kastelic
Nikita Zadorov — Brandon Carlo
Parker Wotherspoon — Andrew Peeke
Mason Lohrei — Jordan Oesterle
Jeremiah Swayman
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OTTAWA SENATORS (22-18-4)
Brady Tkachuk-Josh Norris-Drake Batherson
Claude Giroux — Tim Stutzle — Adam Gaudette
Nick Cousins—Shane Pinto—Ridly Greig
Matthew Highmore-Zack Ostapchuk-Michael Amadio
Jake Sanderson — Artem Zub
Tyler Kleven—Nick Jensen
Donovan Sebrango — Nikolas Matinpalo
Leevi Merilainen