The Boston Bruins are back in action for a Sunday matinee matchup against the Los Angeles Kings. Boston is coming off of their first two-day break since November and hoping the extra rest will be key to securing a victory. The Kings come to the TD Garden as part of a nine-game road trip that has seen them get two victories in three games.
David Pastrnak will be missing from the Bruins’ lineup due to an elbow injury. Pastrnak’s 19 goals this season lead the B’s and his absence leaves a huge hole in the lineup. However, the Kings’ have seen inconsistent play from their goaltenders since Jonathan Quick’s injury. Peter Budaj recorded a shutout against Pittsburgh on Friday, but Boston is hoping he cools off a bit before hitting the ice on Sunday.
Los Angeles Kings at Boston Bruins
TD Garden-1:00 p.m. E.S.T
Broadcast Channels-NESN, SN, FS-W, 98.5 The Sports Hub, KABC 790
2016-17 Season Series: First Meeting of the Season
Los Angeles Kings-16-12-2- 34 Points
Road Record: 6-8-1
Hot Players: Drew Doughty, Tyler Toffoli
Key Injuries: Jonathan Quick, Brayden McNabb
Projected Lines:
Forwards
Marion Gaborik-Anze Kopitar-Trevor Lewis
Dwight King-Jeff Carter-Tyler Toffoli
Tanner Pearson-Nic Dowd-Dustin Brown
Kyle Clifford-Nick Shore-Jordan Nolan
Defense
Derek Forbort-Drew Doughty
Jake Muzzin-Alec Martinez
Matt Greene-Tom Gilbert
Goaltender
Peter Budaj
Boston Bruins-16-13-3- 35 Points
Home Record: 7-8-0
Hot Players: Austin Czarnik, David Backes, Brad Marchand
Key Injuries: Matt Beleskey, David Pastrnak, John-Michael Liles
Projected Lines:
Forwards
Brad Marchand-Patrice Bergeron-Riley Nash
Ryan Spooner-David Krejci-David Backes
Tim Schaller-Austin Czarnik-Noel Acciari
Anton Blidh-Dominic Moore-Jimmy Hayes
Defense
Zdeno Chara-Brandon Carlo
Torey Krug-Adam McQuaid
Joe Morrow-Kevan Miller
Goaltender
Tuukka Rask
Game Notes
[miptheme_dropcap style=”normal” color=”#222222″ background=””]1)[/miptheme_dropcap] The two clubs have met a total of 138 times. The Bruins are ahead in the all-time series with a record of 82-38-13-4.
[miptheme_dropcap style=”normal” color=”#222222″ background=””]2)[/miptheme_dropcap] Sunday marks the first meeting of 2016-17 for these two teams. The Kings were able to beat the Bruins in both of their matchups last season.
[miptheme_dropcap style=”normal” color=”#222222″ background=””]3)[/miptheme_dropcap] Rookie defenseman Matt Grzelcyk was sent down to the Providence Bruins after a two-game stint with the big club.
[miptheme_dropcap style=”normal” color=”#222222″ background=””]4)[/miptheme_dropcap] Boston is 4-3-3 in their last 10 games. Los Angeles has been able to secure a 6-3-1 record in their last 10 contests.
The Bruins and Kings have both had up and down seasons so far. The inconsistency of each club has them fighting to stay in the playoff race. Boston is hanging on to the third spot in the Atlantic Division, and Los Angeles is sitting in the first Wild Card spot in the Western Conference. The Kings will be trying to keep their two-game win streak rolling while Boston will be looking to land a much-needed home victory.
