Projected Lines, Defensive Pairings for Bruins-Senators Matchup

The Bruins return to action on Saturday, facing another crucial matchup in the Atlantic Division.

Boston got three days off after a statement win over the Tampa Bay Lightning at TD Garden on Tuesday. The Black and Gold are well aware of what needs to be done to clinch a playoff spot and hope to extend their winning streak to three games with a win over the Ottawa Senators.

Interim head coach Joe Sacco confirmed that Cole Koepke would not play Saturday after suffering an upper-body injury Tuesday. Mark Kastelic’s status remains a game-time decision after taking a cross-check against Tampa Bay last week. The forward took part in the morning skate on Friday and hoped to play again in Ottawa against his former team.

Hampus Lindholm trained in a non-contact jersey this week, but will not play on Saturday. Linus Ullmark has been out of the Senators lineup since Dec. 22 with a back injury and is not expected to suit up against his former team.

Puck drop for Boston-Ottawa at the Canadian Tire Center is scheduled for 3 PM ET, and you can catch full coverage on NESN after the one-hour pregame.

Here is projected lines and defensive pairings for the Bruins and Senators.

BOSTON BRUINS (22-19-5)
Morgan Geekie — Pavel Zacha — David Pastrnak
Brad Marchand — Elias Lindholm — Vinni Lettieri
Trent Frederic – Matthew Poitras – Charlie Coyle
Justin Brazeau – John Beecher – Mark Kastelic

Nikita Zadorov – Brandon Carlo
Parker Wotherspoon – Andrew Peeke
Mason Lohrei — Jordan Oesterle

Jeremy Swayman

OTTAWA SENATORS (22-18-4)
Brady Tkachuk — Josh Norris — Drake Batherson
Claude Giroux – Tim Stutzle – Adam Gaudette
Nick Cousins ​​- Shane Pinto – Ridly Greig
Matthew Highmore — Zack Ostapchuk — Michael Amadio

Jake Sanderson – Artem Zub
Tyler Kleven — Nick Jensen
Donovan Sebrando — Nikolas Matinpalo

Leevi Merilainen