Bruins at Islanders 3/9/21: Looking to finally beat NYI, lineups, and more

The Boston Bruins will once again be looking to get their first win against the New York Islanders in their fourth meeting of the 2021 season. Yes, so far this season, the B’s are 0-3-0 against the Isles.

These three losses have all been different, but all have been lost in the third period. The first, a 1-0 shutout loss, was lost thanks to a late goal. The second, a 4-2 loss, was lost due to a late third period collapse. The latest, a 7-2 blowout loss, was lost because of a complete lack of effort in the third period that saw five pucks go into Boston’s net.

Through the first two periods against the Islanders, the Black and Gold’s goal differential is actually zero. Yes, in all three games against the Isles this season the B’s have gone into the final frame tied. However, in the third period they have been outscored 8-0.

So, the clear key to get at least a point against the Islanders tonight is to not collapse in the third period. The B’s have been able to hang around with the Isles through the first two periods but just seem to always trip and fall on their face in the third.

Boston Bruins at New York Islanders projected lineups.

Boston Bruins
Record: 13-6-3 (29 points)

The B’s will be making a change to their lineup tonight after being shutout by the New Jersey Devils and Scott Wedgewood last game. Sean Kuraly will be back in the lineup after being a healthy scratch, and Jake DeBrusk will be a healthy scratch as he continued to struggle last game.

With Kuraly back and DeBrusk out, Jack Studnicka is being back to right wing and will play on the second line. Kuraly will be going back to fourth line center.

Additionally, Tuukka Rask did not travel with Boston to Long Island after he appeared a bit banged up at the end of last game. Head coach Bruce Cassidy said he doesn’t believe Rask’s issues are serious. Jaroslav Halak will get the start tonight will Dan Vladar backing him up.

The Black and Gold will not be making any changes to their blue line as Brandon Carlo and Kevan Miller remain out with injuries.

Expect the Bruins to look like this tonight:

Marchand – Bergeron – Pastrnak
Ritchie – Krejci – Studnicka
Frederic – Coyle – Smith
Bjork – Kuraly – Wagner

Grzelcyk – McAvoy
Zboril – Clifton
Tinordi – Vaakanainen

Halak (Vladar)

New York Islanders
Record: 15-6-4 (34 points)

The Islanders so far this season have mostly avoided injuries, except for left wings Anthony Beauvillier earlier in the season and Michael Dal Colle who has been on and off injured reserve this season . So tonight they’ll have a fully healthy roster.

Expect the Islanders to look like this tonight:

Lee – Barzal – Eberle
Beauvillier – Nelson – Bailey
Dal Colle – Pageau – Wahlstrom
Martin – Cizikas – Clutterbuck

Pelech – Pulock
Leddy – Mayfield
Greene – Dobson

Varlamov (Sorokin)

Where and when to watch Boston Bruins at New York Islanders.

Time: 7 PM EST

Location: Nassau Coliseum

TV Broadcast: NESN, MSG+ 2, TVAS

Radio Broadcast: 98.5 The Sports Hub

As I said earlier, the B’s have done a great job staying with the Isles through the first two periods of every one of the first three games against them this season. However, tonight, to secure at least a point they’ll need to avoid the third period collapse that’s plagued them in each of the previous three games.