What Does a Lineup Against the Islanders Look Like?

As the Boston Bruins go through another round of COVID-19 testing this morning, they hope to be able to get back on the ice for practice in hopes of resuming their schedule tomorrow night at home in front of fans at the TD Garden against the first-place New York Islanders.

David Pastrnak, David Krejci, Jake DeBrusk, Craig Smith, and Sean Kuraly have spent the last five days on the NHL’s COVID-19 protocols list. Depending on testing the next two days, there is no telling who might be available to play against the Islanders or who might be out.

Assuming that some players will not be cleared to play, if the game is played of course, who gets the opportunity to step in and take someone’s roster spot? That’s what is facing coach Bruce Cassidy and his staff.

There are some options that the Bruins have. Jack Studnicka would be choice No. 1 if a center is needed. No questions asked. If a second center is needed, heck why not give Greg McKegg another shot centering the fourth line? Can’t be any worse than Kuraly and his minus-8 on the season. At least McKegg goes to the front of the net and he was rewarded on his first shift against the Buffalo Sabres by redirecting Matt Grzelcyk’s shot from the point.

How do the Bruins replace any of their wings should they be out? Oskar Steen would be someone worth giving another shot, while other options on the wings are Karson Kuhlman, Anders Bjork, and Chris Wagner and his minus-7. Not much confidence there.

Besides the players on the protocols list, there are also questions surrounding the availability of rookie Trent Frederic who left the B’s last game against the Sabres with an injury. Also, Zach Senyshyn is another forward injured, who has missed the last four games after getting injured in his season debut against the New York Rangers on March 11.

We all know what the defense has gone through this season with injuries. Brandon Carlo is still out following his concussion from a hit from Washington Capitals tough guy Tom Wilson on March 5. Jeremy Lauzon is still recovering from hand surgery and Kevan Miller, John Moore and Jarred Tinordi are all out with various injuries.

What could a possible lineup against the Islanders look like? Your guess is good as anyone’s. Nobody knows who is available, but who do you think deserves a shot to enter the lineup to give this Bruins team a boost?