The Boston Bruins will have a new look when they take the ice Thursday against the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Defenseman Nick Holden and winger Brian Gionta will make their Bruins debuts at TD Garden. Danton Heinen and Matt Grzelcyk will be healthy scratches for the potential playoff preview.
Bruce Cassidy confirms that Brian Gionta and Nick Holden will make their #NHLBruins debuts tonight. Danton Heinen and Matt Grzelcyk will be scratches.
— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) March 1, 2018
Boston acquired Holden from the New York Rangers on Feb. 20 in exchange for Rob O’Gara and a third-round pick. The 30-year-old has been inactive in all four games since being traded to the B’s.
Gionta, meanwhile, signed with Boston on Sunday after serving as captain for the United States men’s hockey team at the 2018 Winter Olympics. He hasn’t played in an NHL game since last season with the Buffalo Sabres.
The 39-year-old’s debut in black and gold coincides with the struggling Heinen sitting out for just the fourth time this season. Heinen’s in the midst of a stellar rookie campaign, but he has just three goals and 10 assists since the calendar turned to January. He was benched late in the Bruins’ win overtime win Tuesday against Carolina.
