Bruins vs Devils 3/28/21: Hoping to score against NJ, lineups, and more

Tonight, the Boston Bruins take on the New Jersey Devils for the fifth of eight times in this shortened, division-realigned 2021 NHL season. The B’s have struggled to score against the Devils this season, and I don’t think it’ll be any different tonight.

The last time Boston and New Jersey met on March 7, the B’s were shutout by a score of 1-0. To make matters worse, New Jersey starting goaltender MacKenzie Blackwood wasn’t even in net. It was backup Scott Wedgewood that posted the 40-save shutout.

So far this season, the B’s have only scored more than two goals once against the Devils. This was all the way back in their first meeting — and overall game — of the season on Jan. 14 in a 3-2 shootout win.

Tonight, the Black and Gold will be looking to score early and often on the Devils while also shutting down their young and speedy forwards. This has been a challenge for Boston this season, but maybe they’ll finally be able to do both at the same time.

Boston Bruins vs New Jersey Devils projected lineups.

Boston Bruins
Record: 17-8-5 (39 points)

The B’s had a key player return from injury yesterday in defenseman Jeremy Lauzon, however, top left wing Brad Marchand was lost before yesterday’s matinee against the Buffalo Sabres began to COVID-19 protocols.

Right now, Marchand is still unavailable. However, he could play tonight if today’s tests come back negative. But right now the Black and Gold are preparing as if he won’t be playing. Trent Frederic will be in his spot on the first line if he can’t go.

Furthermore, forward Karson Kuhlman will be back in the lineup after missing yesterday with a hand injury that wouldn’t even allow him to grip his stick. Quite a quick recovery for Kuhlman. He’ll be in for Chris Wagner, who will be a healthy scratch.

Anton Blidh will also be in tonight’s lineup as he enters for Greg McKegg. McKegg will also be a healthy scratch, like Wagner.

Jack Studnicka will remain at fourth line center as Sean Kuraly is still out due to COVID-19 protocols. Along with Kuraly, Jake DeBrusk is also still on the COVID-19 list and is unavailable. Anders Bjork will remain in his spot at third line left wing.

After making his return on the third defensive pairing alongside Steve Kampfer yesterday, Lauzon will move up to the second pairing and play with Connor Clifton. Jakub Zboril will move down to the third pairing.

After rookie Dan Vladar got the start yesterday, Jaroslav Halak will get the start tonight. Tuukka Rask is still out with an upper-body injury, so Vladar will back up Halak.

Expect the Bruins to look like this tonight:

Frederic – Bergeron – Pastrnak
Ritchie – Krejci – Smith
Bjork – Coyle – Senyshyn
Blidh – Studnicka – Kuhlman

*If Marchand is able to play, expect Frederic to move down to either the third or fourth line and Blidh come out of the lineup.*

Grzelcyk – McAvoy
Lauzon – Clifton
Zboril – Kampfer

Halak (Vladar)

New Jersey Devils
Record: 12-16-4 (28 points)

The Devils are relatively healthy but are still without first line center and captain Nico Hischier. Travis Zajac will be in his spot on the first line.

Additionally, winger Mikhail Maltsev will come out of New Jersey’s lineup tonight. Nick Merkley will be going in for him at third line right wing.

After Scott Wedgewood got the start for the Devils’ last game, MacKenzie Blackwood will be in between the pipes tonight.

Expect the Devils to look like this tonight:

Kuokkanen – Zajac – Sharangovich
Bratt – Hughes – Palmieri
Wood – Zacha – Merkley
Johnsson – McLeod – Boqvist

Kulikov – Subban
Smith – Severson
Murray – Vatanen

Blackwood (Wedgewood)

Where and when to watch Boston Bruins vs New Jersey Devils.

Time: 5:30 PM EST

Location: TD Garden

TV Broadcast: NESN, NBCSN

Radio Broadcast: 98.5 The Sports Hub

The B’s will be coming off a hard-fought win over the Sabres just over 24 hours ago, while the Devils haven’t played since Friday. If you ask me, the Devils have a slight edge in this one, especially if Marchand is unavailable.