Bruins Face Hurricanes with Lineup Changes Ahead of Trade Deadline

RALEIGH, North Carolina — The Boston Bruins prepare to clash with the Carolina Hurricanes tonight, boasting a revamped lineup as four players have been recalled from Providence in anticipation of the trade deadline.

Interim head coach Joe Sacco confirmed that forwards Patrick Brown, Riley Tufte, Vinni Lettieri, and defenseman Ian Mitchell will take the ice after making the journey up Interstate 95 on Wednesday. The moves come as the Bruins face a crucial matchup against a second-place Hurricanes team that is looking to maintain its momentum.

“Any time you have some players coming up from Providence — they’ve played well down there, obviously, they’ve earned the opportunity to get their chance — you look at them to hopefully provide a spark,” Sacco said during a media briefing. “I’m sure they’ll be excited to get back into the lineup for us tonight.”

Corresponding moves to make room for the call-ups included sending forwards Georgii Merkulov and Jeffrey Viel to Providence, while defenseman Jordan Oesterle was placed on waivers and subsequently claimed by Nashville. Justin Brazeau will be the healthy scratch up front for Boston.

In the midst of these roster changes, the Bruins aim to concentrate solely on tonight’s game, shifting focus from the impending trade deadline. Defenseman Mason Lohrei emphasized this point, stating, “One thing we’ve always preached here ever since I’ve shown up last year, it’s always been one day at a time. No matter what’s going on around you, it’s just show up, put your work boots on, and go to work for that day and do what you can to get better. We’re focused on getting a win tonight, and that’s about it.”

The Hurricanes, entering tonight’s matchup with a recent two-game winning streak, currently hold a record of 36-22-4 and sit second in the Metropolitan Division with 76 points. “They’re a really good team,” Lohrei added. “They’re heavy and hard; they come fast on the forecheck. It’s gonna be about defending in our own zone first.”

Carolina’s leading scorer, Sebastian Aho, has amassed 59 points this season, sharing the team lead in goals with Seth Jarvis at 23 each. Notable contributors include Andrei Svechnikov (43 points), Shayne Gostisbehere (34 points), and Jordan Saal (31 points).

Adding complexity to the matchup is winger Mikko Rantanen, who rejoined the roster after being acquired from the Colorado Avalanche in late January. Rantanen has registered six points (two goals, four assists) in 12 games, contributing to Carolina’s offensive depth. “They really haven’t changed their identity as a team; we know exactly how they play,” Sacco remarked. “They’re an aggressive forechecking team, pressure the puck well all over the ice.”

The Bruins will line up with Morgan Geekie centering Pavel Zacha and David Pastrnak, while Riley Tufte, Elias Lindholm, and Charlie Coyle will form another forward trio. The defense includes Nikita Zadorov and Brandon Carlo, along with Lohrei and Andrew Peeke, and Parker Wotherspoon with Ian Mitchell.

Boston’s goaltending will feature Joonas Korpisalo and Jeremy Swayman, as they aim to improve their road record of 10-16-3 against a strong home team in the Hurricanes, who boast a 23-7-1 record at PNC Arena this season. This is the second meeting of the season between these two teams, with Carolina previously claiming a decisive 8-2 victory in their last encounter.

As the trade deadline looms, the focus for the Bruins remains clear: secure a critical victory before delving into roster reshuffling.