Bruins Seek Momentum Against Maple Leafs After Tough Loss

BOSTON, Mass. — The Boston Bruins aim to halt a three-game losing streak when they face off against the Toronto Maple Leafs at TD Garden on Tuesday night. The Bruins come off a narrow 3-2 overtime defeat to the Anaheim Ducks on Saturday.

General manager Don Sweeney’s roster strategies are under scrutiny as the March 7 NHL trade deadline approaches. Sweeney confirmed that defenseman Hampus Lindholm will be in the lineup, while star blue-liner Charlie McAvoy will miss the game due to injury.

In an effort to shake things up, the Bruins have made adjustments to their lineup. Oliver Wahlstrom and Cole Koepke are set to replace Justin Brazeau and Riley Tufte on the third and fourth lines, respectively.

Puck drop for the Bruins-Maple Leafs matchup is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET, with extensive pregame coverage starting an hour earlier.

The Bruins’ current lineup features Morgan Geekie, Pavel Zacha, and David Pastrnak on the first line, while Brad Marchand, Elias Lindholm, and Charlie Coyle compose the second line. The remainder of the lineup includes Trent Frederic, Matthew Poitras, Oliver Wahlstrom, Cole Koepke, and John Beecher, paired with Nikita Zadorov and Andrew Peeke on defense.

On the other side, the Toronto Maple Leafs (35-20-2) are looking to extend their winning streak with a powerful forward lineup featuring Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner, and Matthew Knies. John Tavares and William Nylander are also key players in the Leafs’ second line, ready to challenge Boston’s defense.

In net, the Bruins will rely on Jeremy Swayman for a strong performance against a loaded Toronto offense that also includes Bobby McMann and Max Domi on their third line.

This high-stakes game is crucial for Boston as they strive not only to end their losing streak but also to cement their position in the Eastern Conference playoff race.