Boston Bruins forward Pavel Zacha will shift down to the third-line center spot in Game 4 against the Florida Panthers on Sunday as Boston attempts to tie the series.

BOSTON – Pavel Zacha is still looking for his first playoff goal. The 27-year-old forward has five assists in 10 games this postseason, and 11 helpers in 22 career playoff games, but he has yet to find the back of the net himself.

With the Bruins looking to tie their second round series against the Florida Panthers in Game 4 on Sunday, Zacha will take on a different role in Boston’s lineup than normal, in hopes of sparking a Bruins team that was been outscored 12-3 over the past two games.

Zacha will drop down to center Boston’s third line after spending the whole season in the ‘top six.’ He had shifted over to wing after struggling on the face-off dot against the Toronto Maple Leafs in the first round, but now falls out of the top six entirely.

While it’s a ‘demotion’ on paper, Zacha is excited about the opportunity to spread the depth across the lineup.

“We had a good conversation with [Bruins coach Jim Montgomery] yesterday about where I’m going to be, and I think it’s great for me to be in the center,” Zacha said. “We need every line to be going, and I think that it’s a great opportunity for me to help the team in that way.”

The Bruins did not take line rushes during Sunday’s morning skate, but Zacha skated between James van Riemsdyk and Justin Brazeau during Saturday’s practice.

Bruins captain Brad Marchand (upper body) will not play on Sunday after exiting Game 3 on Friday, which could have thrown a wrench into Boston’s plans. However, Montgomery confirmed Zacha will stay on the third line, even if it is temporary.

“We moved him to third line center, just for tonight, because I think it helps the Bruins with situational matchups,” Montgomery said.

Much like parts of the Toronto series, the Bruins struggled to find their game and generate offensive zone time in Game 3 against Florida until it was too late. With Zacha on the third line, the Bruins are hoping they can carry over how they finished last game more consistently across the lineup.

“We’re just really good on our forechecks,” Zacha said. “That’s something that when we do and we win the 50/50 battles, more of them than they do, I think that we spend way more time in the O-zone. That just creates problems for them and in their defensive zone, and we know how to do that. So we have to start on time today.”

Whether he finally breaks through with a playoff goal or not, the Bruins are hoping this move can be the key to unlock their best game and have the series tied 2-2 when it shifts back to Florida in Game 5.

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