The Bruins are gearing up for an afternoon clash in South Philadelphia against the Flyers. With a record of 33-20-5, the Bruins have been on a tear since New Year’s Eve, boasting a 13-2-3 run that’s landed them in the second wild card spot in the Eastern Conference. However, while their home performance has been stellar (22-8-1), they’ve faced more challenges on the road (11-12-4).
The Flyers, eight points adrift from the Bruins, have struggled since the start of the year, posting a 6-9-4 record that places them 26th in the league. Team dynamics have been a hot topic, especially with Matvei Michkov at the center of recent discussions.
Trade whispers have linked the two teams, with Philadelphia’s Owen Tippett and Rasmus Ristolainen reportedly on the Bruins’ radar. This matchup is part of an ABC Saturday doubleheader, with puck drop scheduled for 3:00 PM.
Bruins Morning Skate Insights
There won’t be a morning skate today, but coach Marco Sturm will address the media before 2:00 PM to discuss any lineup tweaks. Charlie McAvoy and Marat Khusnutdinov, who took maintenance days yesterday, are expected to play.
Sturm has remained tight-lipped about trade rumors, focusing instead on the game ahead. Jeremy Swayman, who’s been eyeing a return, might see action this weekend.
Projected Bruins Lineup
Forwards:
- Marat Khusnutdinov - Elias Lindholm - David Pastrnak
- Casey Mittelstadt - Pavel Zacha - Viktor Arvidsson
- Mikey Eyssimont - Fraser Minten - Morgan Geekie
- Tanner Jeannot - Sean Kuraly - Mark Kastelic
Defensemen:
- Jonathan Aspirot - Charlie McAvoy
- Hampus Lindholm - Mason Lohrei
- Nikita Zadorov - Henri Jokiharju
Starting Goalie:
- Jeremy Swayman (22-12-3, 2.92 GAA, .903 SV%)
Projected Flyers Lineup
Forwards:
- Trevor Zegras - Christian Dvorak - Travis Konecny
- Matvei Michkov - Noah Cates - Bobby Brink
- Denver Barkey - Sean Couturier - Owen Tippett
- Nikita Grebenkin - Carl Grundstrom - Garnet Hathaway
Defensemen:
- Travis Sanheim - Rasmus Ristolainen
- Cam York - Jamie Drysdale
- Emil Andrae - Nick Seeler
Starting Goalie:
- Dan Vladar (17-9-6, 2.46 GAA, .905 SV%)
Special Teams Breakdown
The Bruins’ special teams have been a mixed bag. Their power play is electric, ranking third in the NHL at 26.5%, and even better since the New Year at 30.6%.
The penalty kill, however, needs improvement, sitting 27th in the league at 76.5%. Coach Sturm emphasized that penalty killing was a priority during the break.
On the flip side, the Flyers have struggled on the power play, converting just 16.1% of their opportunities, ranking 29th. Their penalty kill is middle-of-the-pack at 15th, with a 79.5% success rate.
Season Series Snapshot
- January 29: Bruins defeated the Flyers 6-3 in Boston
- February 28: Bruins @ Flyers
- April 5: Bruins @ Flyers
Upcoming Bruins Schedule
- March 3: Penguins @ Bruins, 7:00 PM
- March 5: Bruins @ Predators, 8:00 PM
- March 7: Capitals @ Bruins, 12:30 PM
- March 8: Bruins @ Penguins, 4:30 PM
- March 10: Kings @ Bruins, 7:00 PM
How To Catch the Game
Tune in at 3:00 PM ET on ABC or listen on 98.5 The Sports Hub.