Projected Lines, Defensive Pairings For Bruins-Senators Matchup

The Bruins return to action Saturday where they face another pivotal Atlantic Division matchup.

Boston received three days off after a statement win over the Tampa Bay Lightning at TD Garden on Tuesday. The Black and Gold are well aware of what needs to be done to achieve a playoff berth, and they hope to extend their winning streak to three games with a win over the Ottawa Senators.

Interim head coach Joe Sacco confirmed Cole Koepke would not play Saturday after suffering an upper-body injury Tuesday. Mark Kastelic’s status remains a game-time decision after taking a cross-check against Tampa Bay last week. The forward participated in morning skate Friday and hoped to play again in Ottawa against his former team.

Hampus Lindholm practiced in a non-contact jersey this week but will not play Saturday. Linus Ullmark has been out of the Senators lineup since Dec. 22 due to a back injury and is not expected to suit up against his former team.

Puck drop for Boston-Ottawa at Canadian Tire Centre is scheduled at 3 p.m. ET, and you can catch full coverage on NESN after an hour of pregame.

Here are the projected lines and defensive pairings for the Bruins and Senators.

BOSTON BRUINS (22-19-5)
Morgan Geekie — Pavel Zacha — David Pastrnak
Brad Marchand — Elias Lindholm — Vinni Lettieri
Trent Frederic — Matthew Poitras — Charlie Coyle
Justin Brazeau — John Beecher — Mark Kastelic

Nikita Zadorov — Brandon Carlo
Parker Wotherspoon — Andrew Peeke
Mason Lohrei — Jordan Oesterle

Jeremy Swayman

OTTAWA SENATORS (22-18-4)
Brady Tkachuk — Josh Norris — Drake Batherson
Claude Giroux — Tim Stutzle — Adam Gaudette
Nick Cousins — Shane Pinto — Ridly Greig
Matthew Highmore — Zack Ostapchuk — Michael Amadio

Jake Sanderson — Artem Zub
Tyler Kleven — Nick Jensen
Donovan Sebrango — Nikolas Matinpalo

Leevi Merilainen