Boston Bruins Prepare for Jack Eichel and Buffalo Sabres

Boston Bruins Prepare for Jack Eichel and the Buffalo Sabres With Patrice Bergeron in Lineup After the Veteran Center Missed Practice With an Illness

While it was previously believed that Bergeron may miss time, he’s set to play against the Buffalo Sabres on Saturday. Additionally, forward Anton Blidh is expected to make his NHL debut per Claude Julien, which could give the Bruins’ some extra energy on their fourth line.

In their first meeting of the season, Boston shutout Buffalo by a score of 4-0. The game seemed pretty one-sided from the start, and the Bruins capitalized with three powerplay goals on eight opportunities. While the Bruins simply dominated against the Sabres in their last matchup, this game will be played under different circumstances.

Return of Jack Eichel

The Sabres’ have been dealing with injuries all season. While players like Dmitry Kulikov, Zach Bogosian, Josh Gorges, Tyler Ennis, Nicolas Deslauriers, and Cody McCormick still remain out, they have already reaped the rewards of the return of their top star, Jack Eichel.

The North Chelmsford-native has scored three goals and four points in two games since returning from injury. The Sabres are 2-0 with Eichel in the lineup this year, closing out November with a 5-4 win over the Ottawa Senators and starting December with a 4-3 win over the New York Rangers. Eichel is a big contributor for Buffalo and the Bruins’ will need to adapt with him back in the lineup.

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Having Bergeron in the lineup is a good start. Having him center Brad Marchand and David Pastrnak is always the ideal situation for Boston. With Bergeron in, it appears that Spooner will return to the left wing alongside David Krejci and David Backes. It’s possible that either Jimmy Hayes or Tim Schaller will sit for the matinee game in Buffalo. Claude Julien hasn’t yet made that decision, however, though Hayes didn’t take part in line rushes pregame.

Claude Julien says Patrice Bergeron and Anton Blidh will be in the lineup today.

Watch his full pre-game presser: pic.twitter.com/kYspkbuzTD

— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) December 3, 2016

Zdeno Chara Close to Returning

Confirming what was mentioned after Friday’s practice, Zdeno Chara remains day-to-day. As mentioned in the Tweet above, however, the captain will be ready to return to the lineup soon. Chara has skated in 19 games so far this season, and even at age 39, he’s been great for the Bruins. His return will also be welcome given the fact that John-Michael Liles is out of the lineup.

So far this season, Chara has been an anchor on the Bruins’ top pairing. His veteran experience has helped rookie Brandon Carlo learn and adapt to the day-to-day life of an NHL defenseman. With “Big Z” back in the lineup soon, the Bruins will be in a much better position to succeed.

The Bruins currently sit in third place in the Atlantic Division. After waiting to score their first goal in the final minute against the Carolina Hurricanes on Thursday, a quick goal to set the tone would be welcome for the B’s. The Sabres may currently hold the last-place spot in the Atlantic Division, but winning divisional points are always important. It’s also important to win the games that are supposed to be won. The Bruins (barely) did so against the cellar-dwelling Hurricanes and will look to do so again against the Sabres.