Photo by Jeff Chevrier/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
By: Lucas Salvatore | Check me out on Twitter @lsalvatore29
Following two blow out games at home the Boston Bruins will be tested in a hostile environment Monday night at the Air Canada Center.
The story of the series so far has been the Bruins top line posting 20 points in two games between them. David Pastrnak has been exceptional so far with nine of those twenty points and will look to continue his strong play on the road for game three and four.
The Bruins may be getting a familiar face back into the lineup as it is expected that forward Riley Nash will make his series debut returning from an ear injury that left him with concussion symptoms.
The Toronto Maple Leafs continue to down spiral as forward Leo Komarov will be held out of game three as he was injured from a hit by Kevan Miller during game two. Look for former Bruin Dominic Moore to make his series debut and be the new fourth line center for the Leafs.
Matt Grzelyck was not on the ice for morning skate Monday morning coach Bruce Cassidy said he has a lower-body injury and if the young defensemen cannot play tonight trade deadline acquisition Nick Holden will slide in on the third pair along with Adam McQuaid.
Here is what to expect out of the Bruins lineup for game three.
Things You Need To Know
- Ryan Donato will return to the press box after playing in game two.
- The Bruins will have both Nash’s in the lineup for the first time since March 17th.
- David Pastrnak has as many goals as the entire Maple Leafs squad so far ( 4 goals).
- Tomas Plekanec will play on the Leafs second line tonight.
- Nazim Kadri is serving game two of his three-game suspension.
Players To Watch
Boston
David Pastrnak: After scoring four goals and five assists in two games so far this series it is vital for the Leafs to solve Pasta if they expect to win at least one game this series. The lost of Komarov and Kadri make the Leafs even weaker on defensive depth and really should make this an even more laborious task. Look for Mike Babcock to chase matchups all night long which should not worry Pastrnak or the entire team for that matter.
David Krejci: Playoff David Krejci is back, but this time he’s quietly going about his business as the Bruins top line has been getting the spotlight. The Bruins power play is running at 50%, and Krejci is a big part of it, but it is the Bruins second line which fans should look at. Jake DeBrusk and Rick Nash have already gotten on the board and have looked dominant so far in the series. Krejci is the driving force of this line and should the Bruins top line stop producing which is unlikely at this point this line is more than capable of running the show for Boston.
Toronto
Auston Matthews: The Leafs first line center was overwhelmed in Boston as he could not get anything going. Look for him to be explosive tonight in front of his home fans and really push the pace and show once again how great of a player he really is. If this series is going to change for Toronto, Matthews will be the guy leading the charge.
Nikita Zaitsev: After being on the ice for four goals against in game two many speculated that Zaitsev would be taken out of the lineup for game three. Looking at morning skate for the leafs Zaitsev will be playing tonight with Jake Gardner as the Leafs defense remains untouched. This is a massive opportunity for Zaitsev look for him to be more physical in front of the net and try and be more of an offensive presence which Toronto desperately needs.
BNG Predictions
Lucas Salvatore: 4-2 Boston
KG: 4-2 Boston
Max Mainville: 3-2 Boston in OT
Mike Cratty: 4-3 Boston in OT
Garrett Haydon: 4-2 Leafs
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