NEWARK, NJ – The Boston Bruins continue their road trip with a key matchup against the New Jersey Devils on Monday night at Prudential Center. Puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET, marking the second of three regular season contests between the two teams. Boston previously defeated New Jersey 4-1 on December 6 at TD Garden, a game that highlighted the Bruins’ ability to control the pace against a potentially dangerous opponent.
The Bruins, coming off a 3-2 shootout victory over the Washington Capitals on Saturday, are looking to maintain their momentum as they navigate a busy stretch of the schedule. This game is the first of a back-to-back, with a Tuesday night contest against the Montreal Canadiens looming. Head coach Marco Sturm emphasized the challenge posed by the Devils, despite their recent form. “It is always a tricky situation when a team like this, they’re not really happy, but they’re 5-2-0 in their last seven games, I think, so they have a lot of weapons, and they can score,” Sturm said. “We just have to make sure we do our job. We’ve got to keep them off the scoresheet.”
Sturm has opted for some lineup adjustments ahead of the game, aiming to spark further offensive production. A notable change sees rookie Marat Khusnutdinov elevated to the first line alongside Fraser Minten and David Pastrnak. Morgan Geekie will center the third line with Elias Lindholm and Alex Steeves, replacing Mikey Eyssimont. Tanner Jeannot returns to the fourth line, joining Sean Kuraly and Mark Kastelic.
Lineup Changes Aim to Ignite Offense
The reshuffling of the forward lines, particularly the creation of what Sturm calls “the kids line” with Khusnutdinov, Minten, and Pastrnak, is intended to add a new dimension to the Bruins’ attack. “I wasn’t sure about last game. They did a good job – the lines – they did a good job. But I don’t know, I felt like there was something missing, I felt like, as a group. That’s why I went back to the kids line,” Sturm explained. Minten, who has been impressive in his rookie season, continues to earn the coach’s trust, having also played center on the first line against the Capitals.
Minten’s development has been a key storyline for the Bruins this season. The 21-year-aged has accumulated 30 points (15 goals, 15 assists) through 66 games, demonstrating a growing confidence and two-way ability. “It’s the confidence, for sure,” Sturm said of Minten. “When you have that, I think it automatically gives you more boost. It could be his skating, could be just his calmness on the ice, playing a two-way game. I think he’s just still growing, he’s still becoming a man.”
Jokiharju Returns to Defensive Lineup
On the defensive side, Henri Jokiharju is set to return to the lineup for the first time since February 28, pairing with Nikita Zadorov on the third defensive pairing. Sturm’s expectations for Jokiharju are clear: “I just want him to proceed out and play good defensively. Play fast and close a little bit quicker. I think that’s really the message with him. Guys are pushing here, not just the forwards but also on D.”
The Prudential Center will host the game, with tickets available through various platforms including Vivid Seats and GoTickets. The New Jersey Devils have a storied history, dating back to 1924 as the Boston Bruins, but the Bruins have historically had the upper hand in playoff matchups, winning 15 of 23 postseason games against New Jersey, including series victories in 1995 and 2003, en route to Stanley Cup Championships, according to information from Prudential Center.
As the Bruins continue their push towards the playoffs, Monday’s game against the Devils represents a crucial opportunity to solidify their position in the Eastern Conference. The team will need a strong performance from its revamped lines and a solid defensive effort to secure a victory on the road. Following the game in New Jersey, the Bruins will quickly turn their attention to their Tuesday night matchup against the Canadiens.
What are your thoughts on the Bruins’ lineup changes? Share your predictions for the game in the comments below!
