Coyle will start the game on the third line on the wing with Matt Poitras, who returns at center and Trent Frederic. Vinni Lettieri will play his first game in Boston this season in Coyle’s regular spot with Elias Lindholm and Brad Marchand. Oliver Wahlstrom will sit out with Coyle available.

If he can’t go, the Bruins will be down several veterans. In addition to Hampus Lindholm, who is already out, Boston out both Charlie McAvoy and Mark Kastelic on injured reserve on Tuesday.

The Bruins called up Matt Poitras from Providence on Tuesday, but the team also placed Charlie McAvoy on injured reserve.

The Bruins are already shorthanded in this contest, as Charlie McAvoy and Mark Kastelic were placed on injured reserve earlier today. In addition, Hampus Lindholm is still not ready to return to the lineup. Thus, not having another key player in Coyle against the Lightning would be tough for Boston.

The Boston Bruins are playing the Ottawa Senators this afternoon in a very important contest. The Bruins are only ahead of the Senators by one point for the final wild card spot in the Eastern Conference,

The Boston Bruins are barely hanging onto a playoff spot, and Cam Neely said they are still decided which path to take at the NHL trade deadline.

Matt Poitras looked more like a player who captured the imagination of fans last year than the one who struggled through 14 games this season.

The Bruins need to string some wins together. Improved play from the second line would help. “We just haven’t been good enough,” said Brad Marchand.

Bruins president Cam Neely admitted that Boston has to prepare for "two paths" as buyers or sellers this season.

The Bruins are hoping that playing the Lightning, a team they recently lost to (a 4-1 setback last Thursday night in Tampa), will help elevate the urgency level.

Being back in the NHL tends to make days sunny again.

THROUGH GAMES OF SATURDAY, JAN. 18, 2025