BOSTON – The Boston Bruins play Game 4 this afternoon.
They are looking to spark their lineup with some changes at practice yesterday. The Bruins’ top prospect, James Hagens, is going to watch this one from the press box, and Mason Lohrei is likely to join him.
Elsewhere around the league, two teams had the chance to move on to Round 2 last night, only one did. There was also another overtime, and a Massachusetts kid won the game for Minnesota.
There are four games tonight, with one team able to move on to the second round.
The Devils and Red Wings, two teams out of the playoff picture, are looking at trade candidates and partners. It’s never too early.
And the Red Sox cleaned house yesterday (after a 17-1 win), but this is a hockey website.
Happy Sunday, catch up on Bruins and league news in today’s Daily Bean:
GAMEDAY: The Boston Bruins (1-2) will host the Buffalo Sabres (2-1) this afternoon with a chance to even the series before it goes back to Buffalo. The Bruins moved some things around; the Sabres kept their lines the same.
LINEUP: Some lineup changes look to be coming for the Bruins today, as Lukas Reichel and Jordan Harris were in the lineup during practice yesterday. Reichel comes with speed, and Harris comes with great puck-moving ability.
The Providence Bruins were the best team in the AHL, and they were led by the AHL MVP, Michael DiPietro. They will play the Springfield Thunderbirds (STL) in the Atlantic Division Semifinals of the Calder Cup Playoffs. The series begins on Friday in Providence.
Carolina Hockey Now: Sweep! The Carolina Hurricanes are the first team to punch their ticket to the second round. They opened yesterday’s slate of games with a 4-2 win over the Ottawa Senators, which ends their season after a fun late push.
Carolina Hockey Now: Hurricanes defenseman Alexander Nikishin took a hit from Tyler Kleven and went right down the tunnel. After the game, Rod Brind’Amour said, “That’s obviously a concussion.”
Dallas Hockey Now: The Stars could not take the series lead over the Minnesota Wild yesterday. Jason Robertson opened the scoring, Brock Faber tied it, and Miro Heiskanen reclaimed the Stars’ lead, but Marcus Foligno tied the game with 5:20 to go in regulation.
Sportsnet (video via YouTube): Millis, MA native Matt Boldy scored the overtime winner to even the series between the Minnesota Wild and Dallas Stars last night.
Pittsburgh Hockey Now: They’re alive. The Pittsburgh Penguins avoided a sweep with a 4-2 win over the Philadelphia Flyers last night. Sidney Crosby had a game, scoring the first goal and setting up Kris Letang with a sweet kick-pass. Dan Kingerski has more from the Penguins’ locker room.
New Jersey Hockey Now: New Devils GM Sunny Mehta already has a potential trade partner. Why not Steve Yzerman? The Red Wings have missed the playoffs for 10 years, which is now the longest drought in the NHL, and Yzerman said that the Red Wings “need better players.” James Nichols has more.
Detroit Hockey Now: Speaking of the Red Wings and trades, Kevin Allen has more on why Vincent Trocheck should still be on Detroit’s radar. There was talk at the trade deadline, and the Red Wings were interested, but the Rangers’ price was too high. However, Elliotte Friedman thinks that interest will continue to grow as teams fall out of the playoffs.
Sabres at Bruins, Game 4 – 2:00 PM (US: NESN, TNT, HBO; CA: SN, TVA)
Avalanche at Kings, Game 4 – 4:30 PM (US: TNT, HBO; CA: SN, SN360, TVA 2)
Lightning at Canadiens, Game 4 – 7:00 PM (US: ESPN; CA: CBC, SN, TVA)