Bruins center David Krejci (upper body) out tonight vs. Lightning

Share

BRIGHTON, Mass. — The Bruins will continue the juggling act that’s been going with David Krejci (upper body) for much of the early season as the top-6 pivot is out for tonight’s important divisional game vs. the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Krejci exited Monday’s win over Anaheim after two shifts in the second period, and then left midway through Wednesday’s practice ahead of the showdown with the Bolts. Krejci’s absence obviously has a cascading effect among the rest of the forwards as Charlie Coyle will be bumped up to second-line center, and Par Lindholm will draw back into the lineup as the third-line center between Danton Heinen and Karson Kuhlman.

Otherwise, second-year D-man Connor Clifton will also come back into the lineup fold for the Bruins vs. Tampa after serving as a healthy scratch while Steve Kampfer replaced him on the B’s back end on Monday.

“I think I had been okay. I hadn’t been at my best. We were winning games and I’m back in tonight. So I’m worrying about that,” said Clifton. “You want to play your best. It’s early and I’m cleaning things up, but I expect to be ready to go tonight.”

Tuukka Rask will get the start in net as Cassidy and Co. may begin deviating from the strict goaltending rotation sooner rather than later with some important games coming back up for the Black and Gold.

Here are the projected line combos and D-pairings with Brett Ritchie serving as a second-line right wing while Anders Bjork continues to tear it up for the Providence Bruins:

Boston Bruins

Find the latest Boston Bruins news, highlights, analysis and more with NBC Sports Boston.

Zadorov finally shows what kind of impact he can make for Bruins

20 Under 25: Why it's important for Bruins to keep 2025 first-round pick

FORWARD LINES

Brad Marchand Patrice Bergeron David Pastrnak
Jake DeBrusk Charlie Coyle Brett RItchie
Danton Heinen Par Lindholm Karson Kuhlman
Joakim Nordstrom Sean Kuraly Chris Wagner

DEFENSIVE PAIRINGS

Zdeno Chara Charlie McAvoy
Torey Krug Brandon Carlo
Matt Grzelcyk Connor Clifton

GOALIE

Tuukka Rask

Click here to download the new MyTeams App by NBC Sports! Receive comprehensive coverage of your teams and stream the Celtics easily on your device.

Contact Us