Game Day Preview: Boston Bruins Host Florida Panthers

Belle Fraser

Apr 6, 2024, 18:33

Belle Fraser

Apr 6, 2024, 18:33

The Boston Bruins will have the same lineup as Thursday when they take on the Florida Panthers Saturday afternoon at TD Garden.

The Boston Bruins are back on home ice Saturday as they host the Florida Panthers for a 3:30 p.m. puck drop at TD Garden. The matchup marks the final regular-season meeting between the teams.

The Bruins and Panthers last faced off March 26 at Amerant Bank Arena where Boston won 4-3 thanks to a third-period comeback and goals from Charlie McAvoy, David Pastrnak, Trent Frederic and Pavel Zacha.

The B’s are coming off a 4-1 victory over the Carolina Hurricanes Thursday in which they closed out a six-game road trip – and won four games along the way.

The Bruins have been getting consistent production from their top six. Pavel Zacha now has eight points in his last five games, Pastrnak has seven points in his last five games, and Brad Marchand scored Thursday against Carolina for his 400th career goal.

Bruins coach Jim Montgomery said Saturday his team’s lineup will be the same as it was Thursday. That means the new top defensive pair of Hampus Lindholm and Charlie McAvoy will stick together. Lindholm, who had four shots against Carolina, seems to be benefiting from a more offensive-minded partner.

“I think it’s more playing with Charlie [McAvoy], probably more O-zone time. I think we’ve asked him to be more direct for a long time – I think maybe the message is getting through and he’s having a little more success,” Montgomery said of Lindholm.

“Just unload. Put the puck at the net. You don’t have to find the next best play, just put the puck at the net.”

Linus Ullmark will get the start against Florida. The goaltender has a 2.57 goals against average and .917 save percentage through 37 games. Ullmark last played Tuesday against the Nashville Predators and posted a 31-save shutout.

Montgomery said they’re still aiming for next Saturday, April 13 against the Pittsburgh Penguins for Pat Maroon to make his Bruins debut.