Game 3 Preview: Boston Bruins Face Toronto Maple Leafs On The Road
James van Riemsdyk, Mason Lohrei and Parker Wotherspoon are projected to enter the lineup for the Boston Bruins Wednesday night at Scotiabank Arena.
Game 3 Preview: Boston Bruins Face Toronto Maple Leafs On The RoadThe Boston Bruins will enter Scotiabank Arena Wednesday for a Game 3 matchup against the Toronto Maple Leafs with a 7 p.m. puck drop.
The first-round series is split 1-1. The Bruins took Game 1 at TD Garden 5-1 on Saturday, thanks to goals from Johnny Beecher, Brandon Carlo, Jake DeBrusk (x2) and Trent Frederic, as well as 35 saves from Jeremy Swayman.
Toronto rallied back in Game 2 after falling behind 2-1 in the first period. Max Domi, John Tavares and Auston Matthews all scored in the Leafs’ 3-2 win in which they showed a greater sense of urgency and togetherness.
“I said it last game, I thought Toronto got significantly better, we just marginally did,” Bruins coach Jim Montgomery said Wednesday to the media. “We need to be better. And that’s the exciting part about the Stanley Cup Playoffs – it’s a series.”
Linus Ullmark got his first start of the series and made 30 stops, including a highlight-reel glove save on Nicholas Robertson that kept things tied 2-2 midway through the third period. Morgan Geekie and David Pastrnak scored for the B’s, but Boston was unable to extend its lead in the latter half of the game.
“We’ve had to do it a lot this year because we had stretches where we weren’t very good,” Montgomery said of his team’s ability to bounce back after losses. “I think that’s helped us. I think our resolve, our resiliency is better.”
The Bruins lost a key piece of their D-corps on Saturday. Andrew Peeke left the game in the second period after blocking a Tyler Bertuzzi shot with his hand, and did not return. Montgomery said Tuesday Peeke is week to week, and did not travel with the team to Toronto for Game 3 and Game 4.
Peeke was acquired at the trade deadline from the Columbus Blue Jackets and carved a reliable, consistent role for himself on the third pair through 15 regular-season games with the Bruins ahead of playoffs. Peeke’s physicality and ‘stay-at-home defenseman’ identity complemented his partner Kevin Shattenkirk.
It looks like Parker Wotherspoon will fill in for Peeke next to Shattenkirk now. Per Fluto Shinzawa of The Athletic, the defensive pairs at Wednesday’s skate were Lohrei-McAvoy, Lindholm-Carlo and Wotherspoon-Shattenkirk.
The left-shot defenseman will allow Shattenkirk to move back to his strong, right side. Wotherspoon played in 41 regular-season games for the Bruins – including five of the final six – and has been somewhat of a pleasant surprise for the group after getting called up from AHL Providence half way through the year.
Wotherspoon brings a similar edge as Peeke, and has had reps skating with Shattenkirk this season.
Mason Lohrei was called up from AHL Providence on Tuesday, and ESPN’s Emily Kaplan confirmed he will make his playoff debut in Game 3. The 23 year old skated on the first pair with Charlie McAvoy during Wednesday’s practice, pushing Matt Grzelcyk out of the lineup. Lohrei’s offensive flair has been a trademark to his game and, while with the Bruins, he’s been working on being more responsible with his defensive details.
“Really excited to be here now and be with the group,” Lohrei said Wednesday to the media. “I know exactly what they want from me, it’s been pretty clear all year…just go out there and do that to the best of my ability.”
James van Riemsdyk will draw into the lineup for his first game of the postseason after being a healthy scratch for the first two matchups. He’ll likely slot onto the third line with Morgan Geekie and Trent Frederic, in place of Jakub Lauko.
“Playoff time of year is always the best time of year…You cherish every opportunity you get,” van Riemsdyk said Wednesday to the media. “You’ve got to stay true to who you are as a player, and always play with good details and manage the game well.”
The veteran forward practiced on the first power play unit Wednesday morning, claiming the net-front spot that Pat Maroon once occupied. The Bruins’ power play – that went 3-for-27 in the last 10 games of the regular season – has produced three goals in two games in the playoffs.
It’s unknown which goaltender the Bruins will start Wednesday.
Toronto star William Nylander, who was sidelined for Game 1 and 2, practiced with the team Wednesday. Leafs coach Sheldon Keefe said “there’s a chance” the forward dresses for Game 3. Auston Matthews did not participate in the team skate, but will be ready to go for puck drop.
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