BOSTON — The Bruins will introduce a new face to the fray Tuesday night, as forward Alex Khokhlachev is expected to make his season debut against the Dallas Stars.
Khokhlachev was recalled Tuesday morning from Providence and likely will fill the second-line spot typically occupied by winger David Pastrnak, who has been ruled out with a foot injury. It will be the fifth career NHL game for the 22-year-old, who was tied for the AHL lead in points and assists at the time of his promotion.
Tuukka Rask was the first Bruins goalie off the ice at morning skate, meaning he’ll likely get the start against a high-powered Stars team that boasts the league’s second-best record.
The driving force behind Dallas’ third-ranked offense has been the 1-2 punch of Jamie Benn (18 points) and old friend Tyler Seguin (17), who entered Tuesday ranked first and second, respectively, in the NHL in scoring. Bruins center David Krejci ranked fourth on that list with a team-high 15 points.
Here are the Tuesday’s projected lines and pairings:
BOSTON BRUINSÂ (6-3-1)
Brad Marchand — Patrice Bergeron — Brett Connolly
Loui Eriksson — David Krejci — Alex Khokhlachev
Matt Beleskey — Ryan Spooner — Jimmy Hayes
Zac Rinaldo — Joonas Kemppainen — Chris Kelly
Zdeno Chara — Colin Miller
Torey Krug — Adam McQuaid
Joe Morrow — Kevan Miller
Tuukka Rask
DALLAS STARSÂ (9-3-0)
Jamie Benn — Tyler Seguin — Jason Spezza
Mattias Janmark — Cody Eakin — Patrick Sharp
Antoine Roussel — Vernon Fiddler — Colton Sceviour
Devin Shore — Radek Faksa — Valeri Nichushkin
Alex Goligoski — John Klingberg
Johnny Oduya — Jason Demers
Jyrki Jokipakka — Jordie Benn
Kari Lehtonen
Thumbnail photo via Bob DeChiara/USA TODAY Sports Images
