BRIGHTON, Mass. — The Boston Bruins play one more preseason game, on Saturday against the Washington Capitals, before their Oct. 8 regular-season opener against the defending Stanley Cup champions.
Saturday’s final tuneup may have a slight impact on who breaks camp with the varsity.
There are three spots remaining to finalize. One of them depends on player health.
Here’s an updated look at how we see it developing, with analysis below.
First line
This is set. Elias Lindholm has recovered from his earlier preseason ailment.
Second line
Morgan Geekie will be the No. 2 right wing, and not just because Brad Marchand prefers it that way. Fabian Lysell, recalled for Thursday’s 4-1 preseason loss to the Los Angeles Kings, is not ready to run with Marchand and Charlie Coyle.
Third line
Matt Poitras is day-to-day because of an undisclosed injury. According to coach Jim Montgomery, Poitras’ condition does not necessarily affect whether he stays with the team or starts in the AHL. Montgomery said he did not know whether Poitras will be available for the opener.
If Poitras cannot play, Tyler Johnson will be the No. 3 center between Trent Frederic and Justin Brazeau. Johnson, currently on a professional tryout agreement, will most likely be a low-wage one-year signing.
Fourth line
Groin discomfort kept Max Jones sidelined until Thursday. The ex-Anaheim Duck is likely to play against the Capitals. If Jones and the Bruins are satisfied with his play and health, he will play with Johnny Beecher and Mark Kastelic.
“I thought it was a good first game,” Montgomery said of Jones’ debut. “You could tell there was a little rustiness. You could tell he was maybe not as poised with the puck. Everything seemed a little rushed. I talked to him about it. But the speed, a couple of the hits … he hits hard. Bruins fans are going to like him.”
If Jones is not ready, Cole Koepke could be the No. 4 right wing. Beecher would play left wing and Kastelic would move to center.
First pair
Nikita Zadorov got first dibs at playing with Charlie McAvoy. But Montgomery has put Hampus Lindholm on McAvoy’s left side. It will be an all-situations duo.
Second pair
Mason Lohrei started on the No. 3 pair. With Brandon Carlo as his partner, Lohrei will have more freedom to go on offense.
Third pair
Zadorov and Andrew Peeke may look like a defense-only partnership. But Zadorov likes to go up the ice. Peeke is a pure stay-at-homer.
“His skill set’s really good,” Montgomery said of Zadorov. “His brain’s really good. You combine those two things with his competitive fire, you’re going to get a little more. We think there’s a lot more offense in him than he has shown in his career so far. We also think there’s a lot more defense in him. We’re hoping we can help him get to those levels.”
Goalies
Even if Jeremy Swayman signs before the opener, Montgomery has already named Joonas Korpisalo his Game 1 starter. The question is who Korpisalo’s backup will be.
Brandon Bussi is currently the No. 2. But the Bruins claimed Jiri Patera on waivers from the Vancouver Canucks on Wednesday. Patera appeared in his first practice for his new club on Friday.
Patera, 25, has eight games of NHL experience, all with the Vegas Golden Knights. Bussi has yet to play an NHL game. Both require waivers to be assigned to AHL Providence.
“I was following it a little bit,” Patera said of Swayman’s negotiations. “For me, it’s a little bit of an odd situation. At the same time, I’m just trying to focus on myself.”
(Photo of Jim Montgomery talking to Hampus Lindholm and Charlie McAvoy: Matthew J. Lee / Getty Images)
