Bruins-Jets Projected Lines, Pairings: Charlie McAvoy Returns
The Bruins are about to embark on a three-game homestand at TD Garden, with the first matchup coming on Thursday against the Winnipeg Jets.
Boston will have the benefit of two stalwarts returning to the lineup.
Charlie McAvoy and Brandon Carlo will re-enter the fold, with the former snapping a seven-game absence from his undisclosed upper-body injury and the latter returning after a short illness.
“We’re excited,” Bruins interim head coach Joe Sacco said on Thursday, per team-provided transcription. “… Having Charlie out for the length that he was out, it’s great to have him back. He seems to be in a really good spirit right now. He’s got some good practices under his belt. He looked good in the morning skate today. We’re excited to have him back in our lineup and help stabilize the back end for us.”
Joonas Korpisalo will get the start over Jeremy Swayman.
Boston and Winnipeg are set to drop the puck at 7 p.m. ET, following an hour of pregame coverage on NESN.
We have the projected lines and defensive pairings for both sides:
BOSTON BRUINS (25-21-6)
Brad Marchand — Elias Lindholm — Charlie Coyle
Morgan Geekie –- Pavel Zacha –- David Pastrnak
Trent Frederic — Matt Poitras — Justin Brazeau
Cole Koepke — Johnny Beecher — Vinni Lettieri
Mason Lohrei — Charlie McAvoy
Parker Wotherspoon — Brandon Carlo
Nikita Zadorov — Andrew Peeke
Joonas Korpisalo
WINNIPEG JETS (35-14-3)
Kyle Connor — Mark Scheifele — Gabriel Vilardi
Nikolaj Ehlers — Vladislav Namestnikov — Cole Perfetti
Nino Niederreiter — Rasmus Kupari — Mason Appleton
Alex Iafallo — David Gustafsson — Parker Ford
Josh Morrissey — Dylan DeMelo
Dylan Samberg — Neal Pionk
Logan Stanley — Colin Miller
Connor Hellebuyck