Boston Bruins

Bruins at Maple Leafs Preview: Lines, Notes & How to Watch

Published

1 week ago

January 4, 2025

With goals hard to come by of late, the Boston Bruins (20-16-4) face the Toronto Maple Leafs (24-13-2) tonight at Scotiabank Arena, looking to put an end to a two-game losing skid. Here’s what you need to know before puck drop.

Mark Kastelic Signs Extension, Found Belonging with Bruins:

Mark Kastelic has become an integral part of the Bruins’ culture and will be for the next three years after signing a contract extension worth $1.567 million per season on Friday.

It was only eight months ago that Kastelic first arrived in Boston as merely a footnote in the Linus Ullmark trade. But it’s clear, even after just a short time, that he belongs with the Bruins as he’s become a favorite among their fanbase and within their locker room.

Mark Kastelic Has Found Where He Belongs with the Bruins

Projected Bruins Lines:

Marchand – E. Lindholm – Pastrnak

Zacha – Coyle – Geekie

Wahlstrom – Frederic – Brazeau

Beecher – Kastelic – Koepke

Zadorov – McAvoy

Oesterle – Carlo

Lohrei – Peeke

Swayman

Korpisalo

Last Time Out:

Coming off a frustrating loss on New Year’s Eve, the Bruins arrived in Manhattan on Thursday for a matchup with the struggling New York Rangers. However, it was the Bruins who struggled at Madison Square Garden, as they hit the back of the net just once in a 2-1 loss.

Bruins Stunned By Struggling Rangers

The Opponent:

The Toronto Maple Leafs enter tonight’s action six points ahead of the Bruins while holding first place in the Atlantic Division standings. They’re 6-4-0 in their last 10 games after defeating the New York Islanders 2-1 on Thursday.

Auston Matthews will be back in Toronto’s lineup tonight for the first time since Dec. 20 after missing the last six games with an upper-body injury.

Even with the reigning Rocket Richard Trophy winner out of their lineup lately, the Maple Leafs have no trouble generating offense. William Nylander’s 23 goals this season are tied for second in the NHL, while Mitch Marner is among the league’s leaders in points with 51.

However, offense is not the reason for the Maple Leafs’ success like it’s been in the past. Rather, it’s their defense, which has improved significantly in their first year under head coach Craig Berube.

Toronto is allowing 2.74 goals against this season, which ranks 8th in the NHL. Their penalty has also been solid, operating at 82 percent (10th).

That bodes well for Joseph Woll as Toronto’s starting goalie. He carries a record of 12-6-0 in 17 with a 2.39 goals-against average and a .917 save percentage into tonight’s game.

How To Watch:

Puck drop between the Bruins and Maple Leafs is slated for 7 p.m. EST at Scotiabank Arena. The game can be seen on NESN and streamed on NESN 360 or ESPN Plus for out-of-market viewers. 98.5 The Sports Hub will carry the radio broadcast of the game.