Bruins vs Islanders 3/25/21: Return from postponements, once again looking to finally beat NYI

The Boston Bruins will be back tonight after their last two games were postponed due to multiple players being put on the COVID-19 list. They’ll have a tough challenge in their return with the New York Islanders, who they have had a tough time with this season, as they have no wins and just one point against.

The B’s have not only struggled to score against the Isles, they’ve struggled to keep the Isles from scoring, especially in the third period. So far the season, in every one of the matchups between these two teams, the third period has started in a tie. However, the B’s have been outscored by the Islanders 9-0 in the third period.

But the story changed in their last matchup as neither team scored in the third period and we saw the Black and Gold take the Isles all the way to a shootout. Although Boston lost in the shootout, it was a good sign that they were finally able to at least secure a point against the Isles.

The B’s will look to build off their last matchup against the Islanders. With all the injuries they have, especially on the blue line, I think they’ll take another overtime/shootout lost.

Boston Bruins vs New York Islanders projected lineups.

Boston Bruins
Record: 16-8-4 (36 points)

Going into yesterday, it was completely unknown who would be in the B’s lineup tonight with several players on the COVID-19 list or just injured.

Five players, all forwards, were on the COVID-19 list going into yesterday. These players were Sean Kuraly, David Pastrnak, Jake DeBrusk, David Krejci, and Craig Smith. However, we got good news in that Pasta, Krejci, and Smith were all taken off the list, leaving just DeBrusk and Kuraly.

Later, we learned that all three players that were removed from the list would be eligible to play and will play in tonight’s game after participating in the B’s unconventional 7 PM practice last night.

Additionally, we learned that goaltender Tuukka Rask, defenseman Jarred Tinordi, and forward Trent Frederic also participated in Boston’s practice tonight.

Head coach Bruce Cassidy confirmed today that Tuukka Rask will be in net tonight, while Frederic and Tinordi will take warmups and will be game-time decisions (probable to play). If Frederic and Tinordi cannot go, Jack Studnicka and Jack Ahcan will be in for their respective positions.

Expect the Bruins to look like this tonight:

Marchand – Bergeron – Pastrnak
Ritchie – Krejci – Smith
Bjork – Coyle – Kuhlman
Frederic – McKegg – Wagner

*If Frederic cannot play, Studnicka will probably go to fourth line center and Greg McKegg will move over to left wing.*

Grzelcyk – McAvoy
Zboril – Clifton
Tinordi – Kampfer

*If Tinordi cannot play, Ahcan will go in his spot.*

Rask (Halak)

New York Islanders
Record: 21-8-4 (46 points)

The Islanders will also be without a couple of players. Their captain Anders Lee is out for the remainder of the season with a torn ACL, and defenseman Noah Dobson has yet to return to the lineup since being placed on the COVID-19 list nearly two weeks ago.

Veteran Leo Komarov looks like he’ll be in Lee’s normal spot on the Isles’ first line with Mat Barzal and Jordan Eberle and Thomas Hickey will be in Dobson’s normal spot on the Isles’ third defense pairing alongside Andy Greene.

Expect the Islanders to look like this tonight:

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

*If Komarov doesn’t play tonight expect Kieffer Bellows in his spot.*

Pelech – Pulock
Leddy – Mayfield
Greene – Hickey

*If Hickey doesn’t play tonight expect Sebastian Aho in his place.*

Varlamov (Sorokin)

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

Time: 7 PM EST

Location: TD Garden

TV Broadcast: NESN, MSG+ 2, NHL Network, SN

Radio Broadcast: 98.5 The Sports Hub

With Anders Lee out for the Isles, this game may not be as tough as the last four for the B’s. However, they still will need to play a hard, full 60 minutes to finally take down the Islanders.