Boston Bruins Game Preview: Looking to Bounce Back vs. Minnesota
After a tough OT loss to the Rangers, the Bruins are aiming to get back in the win column against the Wild.
In case you missed the BIG news THW is now offering all of our great newsletters in one place AND you can subscribe to as many as you want.
We are also making it easier to upgrade to our Premium Subscriptions, which gets you exclusive subscriber-only reports, analysis, long-form commentary, podcasts, video recaps, and much more. AND you can sign up for as many of those as you want FOR ONE LOW PRICE!
Check it all out today!
Welcome to THW Boston Bruins Game Preview, where we discuss every upcoming Bruins game. Before each contest, we will look at the Bruins’ projected lineups, notes, and predictions.
In the near future, game previews will only be available to paid subscribers of THW Substack. Get access to all of The Hockey Writers’ premium content, including exclusive subscriber-only reports, analysis, long-form commentary, podcasts, video recaps, and much more… all with one subscription!
Now, let’s get this preview started!
The Bruins (19-5-5) are facing off against the Minnesota Wild (12-13-4) tonight. The Bruins suffered a tough 2-1 overtime loss to the red-hot Rangers last game, so they are looking to bounce back against Minnesota.
The Wild lost their last matchup, too, falling to the Pittsburgh Penguins by a 4-3 final score. Although they lost last game, they have been on fire as of late, winning seven out of their last 10 games. Thus, even if they have a losing record, the Bruins cannot take them lightly.
Let’s now take a look at the Bruins’ projected lineup, game notes, and predictions.
Bruins’ Projected Lines & Defense Pairings
Brad Marchand - Pavel Zacha - David Pastrnak
Danton Heinen - Charlie Coyle - Jake DeBrusk
James van Riemsdyk - Morgan Geekie - Trent Frederic
Jakub Lauko - John Beecher - Oskar Steen
Matt Grzelcyk - Charlie McAvoy
Hampus Lindholm - Brandon Carlo
Parker Wotherspoon - Kevin Shattenkirk
Linus Ullmark
McAvoy & Zacha Back for Boston
Big news for the Bruins, as McAvoy and Zacha are both expected to return tonight. Thus, the Bruins will once again have their top defenseman and center back.
While the Bruins played fairly well without these two, they are far better with them in the lineup. McAvoy’s return will allow Shattenkirk to go back to the bottom pairing, while Geekie will be moved to the third-line center spot.
Ullmark Expected to Start
The expectation is that Ullmark will be the Bruins starter tonight vs. Minnesota. The reigning Vezina Trophy winner won his last start against the New York Islanders, saving 33 out of 37 shots.
Predictions
With Zacha returning to action, I think he will have a multi-point night. The 26-year-old has been excellent this season, and he should pick up right where he left off before his injury.
Ullmark is a due for a Ullmark-type game. Although he secured a win in his last start, he was a bit shaky. I expect him to be in top form against the Wild.
While Geekie has been dropped in the lineup, I predict that he will score tonight. The 25-year-old has two goals and two assists in his last four games and looks better each game. I am expecting that to continue.
As for a final score prediction, I think the Bruins will win this one by a 4-1 final score.