Injuries in Boston gives Providence Bruins a chance to shine.

Mar. 4, 2012; New York, NY, USA; Boston Bruins left wing Lane MacDermid (64) and New York Rangers left wing Mike Rupp (71) fight during the first period at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Debby Wong-USA TODAY Sports

I was taking a look a look at the roster for the expected lines for tonight’s game against our ancient rivals, the Montreal Canadiens. I knew that Shawn Thornton and Daniel Paille would not be making the game. Thornton is still working off the last throws of the concussion he got in his brawl the Buffalo Sabres’ resident brawler John Scott.  Paille is still a little off from the high stick in the face from Tyler Myers. Now, Brad Marchandwhile still listed as day-to-day, has been removed from tonight’s line up.

“We’re going to keep our fingers crossed that he’s in next game,” Claude Julien said. “He’s that close. It’s a matter of days here” Marchand is our leading scorer and his presence will be missed.  “It’s not as serious as most injuries, except that we’re being extra cautious early on in the season.” Here is the expected line up for tonight’s game.

Milan Lucic–David Krejci–Nathan Horton

Gregory Campbell–Patrice Bergeron–Tyler Seguin

Chris Bourque–Chris Kelly–Rich Peverley

Lane MacDermid-Ryan Spooner-Jamie Tardif

Looks like the Merlot line will be the ‘Providence Line’ tonight. Gregory Campbell will get bumped up to the second line, and that will give the Bruins line more physicality while in no way diminishing their skill level. Lane MacDermid has played for us a few times, and with his two bouts against Toronto’s Ryan Fraser, he shows that he is not afraid to live up to the standards of the Merlot Men. Jamie Tardif, another member of the Providence squad has proven reliable in Boston as well. Both players are AHL veterans, and now what to expect and what is expected of them.

Tonight is Ryan Spooner’s first NHL game. Congratulations Spoons! “I grew up being a Montreal Canadiens fan, and I’m excited my first game is here.” said Spooner after the morning skate. Ryan Spooner has been a producer for the Providence team, and should be able to make the transition from the AHL to the NHL with limited difficulty. It’s a little weird not seeing the Merlot Men on their line, but I’m sure the Providence players will make an impact as the Bruins and the Canadiens battle for first place tonight up in Montreal.