Boston Bruins Lines and Pairings Game 6

Boston Bruins Lines and Pairings Against Ottawa Senators Game 6 in Elimination Game at Home Without the Services of David Krejci

As was the case in game five, the Boston Bruins are facing elimination in game six. The difference? Home ice. When the Bruins take to the ice Sunday against the Senators, they’ll be doing so at TD Garden in Boston with the Bruins’ faithful behind them. The Bruins’ have yet to win a game on home ice thus far in the series, but they’ll need to do so if they plan on pushing the series to seven games.

In game five, the Bruins were dealt yet another injury to deal with when David Krejci left in period one. Unfortunately for the Bruins, David Krejci will not be playing in the game. Senators’ defender Chris Wideman, the player that Krejci collided with, will also be kept out of the Senators’ lineup.

Lines and Pairings

With head coach Bruce Cassidy confirming that David Krejci is out, Matt Beleskey will return to the lineup. As changes to the lineup are released, the lineup below will be changed accordingly.

Forwards:

Brad Marchand-Patrice Bergeron-David Pastrnak

Tim Schaller-Sean Kuraly-David Backes

Frank Vatrano-Noel Acciari-Drew Stafford

Matt Beleskey-Dominic Moore-Riley Nash

Defense:

Zdeno Chara-Charlie McAvoy

Joe Morrow-Kevan Miller

John-Michael Liles-Colin Miller

Goaltender:

Tuukka Rask

When Sean Kuraly was placed into the Bruins lineup in favor of Ryan Spooner, the expectations weren’t that he would lead the team to a game. Still, that’s exactly what he did with two goals was the direct cause of Noel Acciari’s goal that was disallowed in the first overtime frame. Kuraly’s effort was second-to-none and his place in the lineup in game six is well deserved.

Tuukka Rask Playing Well

In addition to Kuraly, Tuukka Rask was also exceptional. Rask pushed aside 41 of 43 shots on net by the Senators in game five and backstopped the team to victory. While there have been complaints about Rask not stealing games popping up everywhere, they are widely unfounded. Rask is one of the best goalies in the game, and when the Bruins need him most in the postseason, he’s always stepped up. Many forget his play in the 2013 playoffs that propelled the Bruins into the Stanley Cup Finals. While he’s on the negative side of feedback, however, Rask has always taken the complaints in stride and has always just played his game.

Next: Three Keys to Winning Game Six

If the Bruins want to win, Rask will need to step up big once again. He’s been very good all series behind a banged-up blueline. The team has found some stability as late, however, as the defensive pairings have been consistent as of late. While the configuration isn’t ideal with Torey Krug, Brandon Carlo and Adam McQuaid missing, consistency is important as the team moves forward.