The Islanders host the Bruins tonight at 7:00 on NESN.
Tuukka Rask will be in net against the Islanders tonight, as he and his team are in the midst of a smokin' hot streak. CBS Boston
Your NHL Third Star of the Week? David Backes, who has really bounced back from his surgery with a splash. Also, don't expect to see Johnny Boychuk tonight. Boston Herald
The return of David Krejci centering Jake DeBrusk and (now) right wing Ryan Spooner has immediately paid dividends, albeit in a small sample size. Peter Cehlarik is returning to action, but will get underway in Providence. Patriot Ledger
Looking back at the year in review, remember the slow start to the season for the Bruins? Bonus- one bold prediction is starting to look like a lock. Causeway Crowd
Here are the bullet-pointed takeaways from Providence this week, from the happy to the not-so-happy. Rinkside Rhode Island
Ryan Donato is poised to represent his country at the Olympics. Like father, like son. WEEI He has had quite a career at Harvard, and has good reasons to finish his season there. The Hockey Writers Have a look at the USA men, women, and paralympic rosters here. NBCSports
This quintet of resolutions for the Bruins this New Year includes leaving the Montreal Canadiens in the dust. Adieu! WEEI
The Bruins have currently earned points in eight straight games and have just replaced the Maple Leafs at second place in the Atlantic Division. NHL
Elsewhere around the rink:
Gerry Cheevers is grateful for the help of the late Johnny Bower. Toronto Sun
The unlikely ascent of the Vegas Golden Knights is the result of good things rising from bad ideas. Globe and Mail
The Rangers are good at Winter Classic games, and beat the Sabres . Interestingly, Henrik Lundqvist and Robin Lehner had met before, long, long ago in a backyard rink far away. BarDown