Bruins-Predators Projected Lines, Pairings: Boston Makes Sweeping Changes

The Bruins will conclude their first true roadie of the season Tuesday, wrapping things up with a matchup against the Nashville Predators at Bridgestone Arena.

Boston will introduce a number of changes to the lineup, with Max Jones replacing Justin Brazeau. Bruins head coach Jim Montgomery only needs just one new face to completely change the lineup, however.

Elias Lindholm and David Pastrnak will move up to the top line, where they’ll play alongside Brad Marchand. Charlie Coyle and Trent Frederic will be joined by Jones on the second line, while Pavel Zacha will move down to the third line to play alongside Matt Poitras and Morgan Geekie.

“We’re trying to generate some chemistry,” Montgomery said, per team-provided video. “It’s been inconsistent in our first six games, so we’re just looking at different ways to support certain players, get other players on their toes. We’re just hopeful these line combinations will create more offense and provide some success for us.”

John Beecher, Mark Kastelic and Cole Koepke have been the club’s best group thus far, so they’ll stick together for the foreseeable future. Montgomery did not announce who his goaltender would be, though Joonas Korpisalo could use a look.

The B’s and Preds are scheduled to drop the puck at 8:45 p.m. ET, following an hour of pregame coverage, on NESN.

We have the projected lines and defensive pairings for both sides:

BOSTON BRUINS (3-2-1)
Brad Marchand — Elias Lindholm — David Pastrnak
Max Jones — Charlie Coyle — Trent Frederic
Pavel Zacha — Matt Poitras — Morgan Geekie
John Beecher — Mark Kastelic — Cole Koepke

Hampus Lindholm — Charlie McAvoy
Nikita Zadorov — Brandon Carlo
Andrew Peeke — Mason Lohrei

Joonas Korpisalo
Jeremy Swayman

NASHVILLE PREDATORS (0-5-0)
Filip Forsberg — Ryan O’Reilly — Gustav Nyquist
Steven Stamkos — Colton Sissons — Jonathan Marchessault
Mark Jankowski — Tommy Novak — Luke Evangelista
Zachary L’Heureux — Michael McCarron — Cole Smith

Brady Skjei — Roman Josi
Jeremy Lauzon — Alexandre Carrier
Marc Del Gaizo — Luke Schenn

Juuse Saros