The Boston Bruins’ lineup for Game 1 of their first-round Stanley Cup playoffs series against the Toronto Maple Leafs is all but set.
Injuries took their toll on the Bruins down the stretch, but the B’s are getting healthy just in time for the postseason opener Thursday night at TD Garden.
First, the good news. Both Rick Nash and Sean Kuraly look ready to return, barring some unforeseen late setback. Nash hasn’t played since March 17; Kuraly last played March 27.
The bad news, though, is Riley Nash, who’s still recovering from a lacerated ear, won’t play in Game 1. He hasn’t yet been ruled out for Game 2 on Saturday.
Here are the line combinations and defensive pairings from Wednesday’s practice:
Bruins coach Bruce Cassidy also revealed Wednesday that defenseman Adam McQuaid will get the nod on the blue line with Nick Holden being the healthy scratch.
We learned from Tuesday’s practice that Ryan Donato apparently will start the series in the press box as a healthy scratch. With Kuraly healthy, Donato is expected to be joined by Brian Gionta, with Tommy Wingels getting the nod over both of them.
One interesting thing to note about those lines: Noel Acciari centering the third line would break up the Boston fourth line, which has been a pretty vital piece to the Bruins’ success this season. Of course, Cassidy could be bluffing, and he can always change up the lines during the game.
