( Photo Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images )

By: Ryan Bosworth | Follow me on Twitter/X @RyanJBosworth

The Boston Bruins are back on TD Garden ice for their second of four preseason games, and their second of two at home. They hosted the Washington Capitals this past Sunday, where they came out victorious in the shootout thanks to James Hagens. Tonight, they had back to Causeway to host the visiting Philadelphia Flyers.

The Bruins announced their game roster yesterday afternoon, and it’s similar to Sunday in the sense that it’s a pretty National Hockey League roster-heavy, with a few still looking for a spot. Besides defenseman Frederic Brunet, who played Sunday, the entire roster is different:

Lineup

The Bruins’ held a pregame skate today, which was held at Warrior Ice Arena, where we got a sneak peek at how head coach Marco Sturm was going to line things up tonight. Here’s how the Bruins lined up this morning:

There’s no real surprise when it comes to the top-six, as it’s a very similar top-six to that of what we saw during the 2025-26 season, with the substitution of J.J. Peterka for Viktor Arvidsson on the second line. Bruins number one goaltender Jeremy Swayman will be between the pipes tonight, and Providence Bruins goaltender Simon Zajicek will be his backup.

Who to Watch

There are a couple of players to definitely keep tabs on as the preseason continues to chug along. Players like Frederic Brunet, who played in the Bruins’ first preseason game and performed well. His name has been circulating around as a name to watch to make a push for an NHL job, and he looks to continue making a statement tonight.

Another player to keep tabs on is center Dans Locmelis. Centering the third line between Jeannot and Eyssimont, the UMass Amherst product has been a welcome addition to the Bruins’ pipeline. Locmelis recorded played 42 games in Providence this past season, and recorded 15-13-28 during that time.

Finally, and arguably most obvious, I’ll be keeping an eye on J.J. Peterka. Peterka, 24, was acquired at the 2026 NHL entry draft for the Bruins’ 23rd overall pick in this years’ draft, and their first-round draft pick in 2027. He was brought on to add a scoring bump to the Bruins’ top-six, and that’s exactly where they have him slotted tonight.

He recorded 25-22-47 through the full 82-game season in Utah, and wasn’t quite able to give what the Mammoth needed from him. Many are hoping that his connection to German head coach Marco Sturm can reignite his scoring touch that he had in the 2024-25 season, where he recorded 27-41-68 through 77 games.

Tonight’s game can be watched on NESN+ and NBCSP+ and heard on 98.5 The Sports Hub. Puck drop is set for 7 p.m.