Projected Bruins lines vs. Sabres: Smith possibly out due to COVID testing issues

The Boston Bruins look to roll out the same lines tonight against the Buffalo Sabres with possibly one change-up.

Craig Smith had COVID testing issues and was absent from morning skate because of it. If he’s cleared by game time, he will be back on the second line. If not, Jake DeBrusk will sub in.

The third and fourth lines will look how Bruce Cassidy shook them up during Tuesday’s game, with Trent Frederic bumping up and Nick Ritchie sliding down.

Kevan Miller did not practice this morning, but will likely be in the lineup. Expect him paired up with Mike Reilly.

Brandon Carlo was also back in a regular black jersey today and the team is aiming for his return next week in New Jersey.

Tuukka Rask gets the start in net with Jaroslav Halak serving as back-up.

Here is how the lineup is projected to look:

Lines:

Brad Marchand – Patrice Bergeron – David Pastrnak

Taylor Hall – David Krejci – DeBrusk

Frederic – Sean Kuraly – Charlie Coyle

Ritchie – Curtis Lazar – Chris Wagner

Defensive pairings:

Matt Grzelcyk – Charlie McAvoy

Reilly – Miller

Jeremy Lauzon – Conor Clifton

Rask gets the start

For the Sabres, Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen will start in net.