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Projected Bruins lines vs. Islanders: Smith is anticipated back for Game 3

The Bruins look to get some help out front with Smith back in the lineup.

NHL: MAY 29 Stanley Cup Playoffs Second Round - Islanders at Bruins

The Boston Bruins look like they’ll be getting one body back from injury tonight against the New York Islanders for what will likely be a pivotal Game 3 for either side.

Craig Smith participated in this morning’s skate at Nassau Coliseum and Bruce Cassidy “anticipates” he’ll be in the lineup. Smith played in Game 1, but sustained a lower-body injury during the second period which caused him to miss Game 2.

As long as Smith is ready to go, he’ll be back on the second line and Jake DeBrusk will slide down to the third line. Karson Kuhlman would be the odd-man out.

Kevan Miller did not travel with the team, so not only will he miss tonight, he’ll also be out on Saturday.

Rask will start the game in net.

Here’s how lines and defensive pairings are projected to look:

Lines:

Brad Marchand - Patrice Bergeron - David Pastrnak

Taylor Hall - David Krejci - Smith

Nick Ritchie - Charlie Coyle - DeBrusk

Sean Kuraly - Curtis Lazar - Chris Wagner

Defensive pairings:

Matt Grzelcyk - Charlie McAvoy

Mike Reilly - Brandon Carlo

Jeremy Lauzon - Connor Clifton

Rask gets the start

For the Islanders, Barry Trotz said there were no changes to his lineup.

This is how the Isles are projected to look:

Lines:

Leo Komarov – Mathew Barzal – Jordan Eberle

Anthony Beauvillier – Brock Nelson – Josh Bailey

Kyle Palmieri – Jean-Gabriel Pageau – Travis Zajac

Matt Martin – Casey Cizikas – Cal Clutterbuck

Defensive pairings:

Adam Pelech – Ryan Pulock

Nick Leddy – Scott Mayfield

Andy Greene – Noah Dobson

Semyon Varlamov