Boston Bruins projected lines and pairings before the season opener
For the Boston Bruins, playtime is over. It’s time to get serious as the season opener looms close on October 5th at home.
The Boston Bruins will either be really good or really bad this season. They have a number of young players that can make an impact, or fall flat on their faces. Of course, health will also be a factor this season, and it’s already hitting the B’s as Torey Krug is out to begin the year.
Patrice Bergeron is back and fully healthy though, and he’s looking to lead the Bruins through a successful season as a leader. Captain Zdeno Chara is also back and ready to go. This is going to be a fun season in the TD Garden.
Here, I did my best to project the Boston Bruins lines and defensive pairings. Of course, a lot can change between now and October 5th when they take on the Nashville Predators, but this is my best guess.
Forwards
- Brad Marchand – Patrice Bergeron – Anders Bjork
- Jake Debrusk – David Krejci – David Pastrnak
- Sean Kuraly – Ryan Spooner – David Backes
- Matt Beleskey – Riley Nash – Noel Acciari
- Extras on the roster: Tim Schaller, Frank Vatrano
Anders Bjork has played himself onto Boston’s top line, at least to begin the year. The Notre Dame product should begin the season playing alongside veterans Patrice Bergeron and Brad Marchand.
David Pastrnak, who the B’s thankfully re-signed this offseason, should be on the second line with David Krejci. The two of them should be able to help get each other and Jake Debrusk going.
David Backes gave me the most trouble here. I wasn’t quite sure where to slot him in, but he could bring a great veteran presence to the third line alongside Sean Kuraly and Riley Nash. That line though could see a lot of changes as the season goes on, as I anticipate some improvement from Noel Acciari, Tim Schaller, or Frank Vatrano. All three could end up on the third line at some point.
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Defensemen
- Zdeno Chara – Brandon Carlo
- Kevan Miller – Charlie McAvoy
- Adam McQuaid – Matt Grzelcyk*
- Extra on roster: Paul Postma, Torey Krug* will return from injury
There aren’t many surprises here. The Torey Krug injury creates some intrigue, but once he’s back he’ll be paired up with Adam McQuaid once again. For now, I think Matt Grzelcyk gets the nod over Paul Postma in the lineup, though that could change depending on the play from either guy.
Goaltenders
Tuukka Rask
Anton Khudobin
Next: Bjork could be the best Bruins rookie
Tuukka is clearly the Bruins top goaltender, and he’s still elite in terms of the NHL overall. Behind him, it should be Anton Khudobin once again. Malcolm Subban and Zane McIntyre fought to take that backup spot, but both fell short in my eyes. Khudo did nothing to lose the job, so for now, it’s his. If he can play well and provide Tuukka with regular breaks this season, the Boston Bruins will be in really good shape.