Bruins Game 2 lines: Smith out, DeBrusk up, Kuhlman in

The Bruins’ lineup will look a bit different tonight, mainly due to an absence: the team confirmed that Craig Smith will not play tonight, and is day-to-day with a lower-body injury.

It’s what many people feared may happen after Smith left Game 1 and didn’t return; it looks like whatever happened is nagging enough to keep him out of action.

As a result, Karson Kuhlman will draw in — but not in Smith’s spot.

Instead, the team is planning to bump Jake DeBrusk up to the second line to play on his off wing alongside David Krejci and Taylor Hall.

Kuhlman will instead play on the third line with Charlie Coyle and Nick Ritchie.

It’s fair to assume that these lines are fluid, as Bruce Cassidy is never hesitant to mix things up.

While I assumed that Cassidy would elect to put Kuhlman at 2RW, this set-up is intriguing: DeBrusk could bring some decent energy/hustle to that second line, while Kuhlman’s speed could mesh well with the heavier puck-possession type game on the third line.

Or it won’t work and we’ll pine for Craig Smith. Either way!

There are no changes on defense, with Matt Grzelcyk good to go.

Here’s what to expect:

Brad Marchand - Patrice Bergeron - David Pastrnak

Taylor Hall - David Krejci - Jake DeBrusk

Nick Ritchie - Charlie Coyle - Karson Kuhlman

Sean Kuraly - Curtis Lazar - Chris Wagner

Matt Grzelcyk - Charlie McAvoy

Mike Reilly - Brandon Carlo

Jeremy Lauzon - Connor Clifton

Tuukka Rask

For the Islanders, Oliver Wahlstrom still isn’t ready, so they’ll look the same..except (maybe) for in net?

Two series in a row with the opposing coach playing a guessing game with his starting goalie. Good times.

See ya tonight!