Bruins adding physical reinforcement to lineup for Game 3

The Boston Bruins are looking to rebound from the shellacking that they took at the hands of the Florida Panthers in Game 2 of their Round 2 Stanley Cup Playoffs series, dropping a 6-1 decision to tie the series up at one game apiece as the two teams shift back to Boston for Games 3 and 4. 

And ahead of tonight's critical Game 3, it looks as though they're set to welcome a key piece of the blue line back to the team. Defenseman Andrew Peeke, who was acquired from the Columbus Blue Jackets at the 2024 NHL Trade Deadline and has missed the last seven games after an injury in Game 2 of their Round 1 series against the Maple Leafs, is set to return to action. 

Head coach Jim Montgomery had no shortage of good things to say about Peeke, who will be playing against his hometown team as he hails from Parkland, FL - not far from Sunrise.

“He does a real good job, because you know what you’re gonna get,” Montgomery said of Peeke. “You’re gonna get someone who’s gonna compete, who’s gonna be physical, gonna defend his net hard, and he’s gonna join the rush.”

Meanwhile, Peeke himself is happy to have a chance to get back into this tightly contested series that has also turned into a physical slugfest. 

"It’s intense. You all saw last game, that third period, and that emotion, that energy," he said. "I’m just looking to add to it. It’s exciting for me coming back into a game like this...and just being able to add what I can."

According to beat writer Fluto Shinzawa, the Bruins will be skating tonight with the following line combinations:

Zacha-Geekie-Pastrnak
Marchand-Coyle-DeBrusk
Van Riemsdyk-Frederic-Brazeau
Lauko-Beecher-Maroon

Lohrei-McAvoy
Lindholm-Carlo
Forbort-Peeke

Jeremy Swayman is expected to get the nod between the pipes despite being pulled after allowing four goals in Game 2. Can the Bruins gain the upper hand tonight by taking a two games to one series lead? 

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