Bruins’ Projected Lines, Defensive Pairings For Panthers Matchup

The Bruins will kickstart their 2024-25 season Tuesday, renewing their rivalry with the Florida Panthers at Amerant Bank Arena.

Boston will introduce plenty of new faces into the lineup, with Elias Lindholm, Max Jones, Mark Kastelic, Cole Koepke, Nikita Zadorov and Joonas Korpisalo all making their debuts in Black and Gold. Korpisalo will tend the net over Jeremy Swayman, who needs some time after resolving his contract issues to begin the week.

The B’s will have an opportunity at revenge after seeing their last two seasons end at the hands of the Panthers.

“I wouldn’t say it will be more special, but it’s definitely gonna be more intense,” Bruins captain Brad Marchand said following morning skate Tuesday, per team-provided video. “It’s a great opportunity to have two of the best teams in the league matchup against each other… we’re gonna be excited to get out there. They’re obviously gonna be flying high with the celebrations that they have tonight. It’s gonna be a very intense game for sure.”

Florida will introduce some new names, as well, including old friends Jesper Boqvist and A.J. Greer.

The Bruins and Panthers are scheduled to drop the puck at 7 p.m. ET, though it’s expected things will be pushed back as the hometown team celebrates its Stanley Cup victory. Boston will begin its season on ESPN, returning to NESN on Thursday.

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

BOSTON BRUINS (0-0-0)
Pavel Zacha — Elias Lindholm — David Pastrnak
Brad Marchand — Charlie Coyle — Morgan Geekie
Max Jones — Trent Frederic — Justin Brazeau
John Beecher — Mark Kastelic — Cole Koepke

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

Joonas Korpisalo

FLORIDA PANTHERS (0-0-0)
Carter Verhaeghe — Aleksander Barkov — Sam Reinhart
Evan Rodrigues — Sam Bennett — Matthew Tkachuk
Eetu Luostarinen — Anton Lundell — Mackie Samoskevich
Jonah Gadjovich — Jesper Boqvist — A.J. Greer

Gustav Forsling — Aaron Ekblad
Niko Mikkola — Dmitry Kulikov
Uvis Balinskis — Adam Boqvist

Sergei Bobrovsky