BOSTON — The Bruins will have two of their new additions in the lineup Tuesday when they open a three-game homestand against Ottawa.
Forward Brian Rolston and defenseman Mike Mottau, acquired Monday from the Islanders in one of Boston's two deals at the trade deadline, participated in Tuesday's morning skate and will play against the Senators. Defenseman Greg Zanon, acquired from Minnesota for Steven Kampfer, arrived later in the morning and will not play on Tuesday.
"We're going to give [Zanon] a chance to skate with us [Wednesday] first, so he'll be out tonight," Bruins coach Claude Julien said.
Julien did confirm, however, that Rolston and Mottau will dress.
"They skated with us this morning so obviously we need those guys in our lineup with [Johnny] Boychuk not being in, so those two guys should be in the lineup," Julien said. "They came in last night, so they had a good rest and we feel that they're ready to go."
Boychuk is sidelined with a mild concussion suffered on a hit from Chris Neil Saturday in Ottawa. Mottau will take his place in the lineup, though the defense pairs will likely be shuffled throughout the game. Rolston skated with Benoit Pouliot and Jordan Caron in the morning skate, and that combination will likely start the game together.
The Bruins should also get Shawn Thornton back after he missed Saturday's game and Monday's practice with flu-like symptoms. "You guys worried?" Julien joked when asked about Thornton. "He should be fine."
Max Sauve was recalled from Providence on Tuesday morning in case Thornton is unable to play, but isn't expected to be needed.
The Senators will have a couple of lineup changes as well. Former Boston University star Matt Gilroy, acquired Monday from Tampa Bay, will make his Ottawa debut on defense. Heavyweight Matt Carkner will come out of the lineup to make room. But Ottawa will still have plenty of toughness, as Zenon Konopka (NHL-leading 17 fighting majors) returns up front after being scratched the last eight games.
Robin Lehner, who made 28 saves in a 5-2 win over the Islanders on Sunday, will get the start again in goal, and is eager for the chance to play against the reigning Cup champs.
"It's going to be a challenge," Lehner said. "Great city, great team. I followed them last year when they won. I’m excited."
Dan O’Rourke and Francois St. Laurent will be the referees, with Greg Devorski and Bryan Pancich working the lines.
Projected Bruins lines
Forwards
Milan Lucic-Chris Kelly-David Krejci
Brad Marchand-Patrice Bergeron-Tyler Seguin
Benoit Pouliot-Brian Rolston-Jordan Caron
Daniel Paille-Gregory Campbell-Shawn Thornton
Defense
Zdeno Chara-Adam McQuaid
Dennis Seidenberg-Joe Corvo
Andrew Ference-Mike Mottau
Goalies
Tim Thomas
Tuukka Rask
Scratches: Nathan Horton (concussion), Rich Peverley (knee), Greg Zanon, Max Sauve
Projected Senators lines
Forwards
Milan Michalek-Jason Spezza-Bobby Butler
Colin Greening-Kyle Turris-Daniel Alfredsson
Nick Foligno-Jim O'Brien-Chris Neil
Zenon Konopka-Zack Smith-Erik Condra
Defense
Filip Kuba-Erik Karlsson
Chris Phillips-Matt Gilroy
Jared Cowen-Sergei Gonchar
Goalies
Robin Lehner
Alex Auld
Scratches: Matt Carkner, Kaspars Daugavins, Craig Anderson (hand)
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