One game at a time.
Just the facts
When: Tonight, 7 PM
Where: TD Garden — Boston, Mass.
How to follow: NESN, NHLN, 98.5 The Sports Hub
Opposing perspective: Jackets Cannon
Know your enemy
6-9-2, 14PTS, last in Metropolitan Division
Kirill Marchenko: 6G-10A-16PTS; Sean Monahan: 6G-7A-13TS; Zach Werenski: 4G-9A-13PTS
Elvis Merzlikins: 3-5-1, 2.92 GAA, .898 save percentage; Daniil Tarasov: 3-4-1, 4.04 GAA, .861 save percentage
Game notes
- The Boston Bruins will look to right their ship tonight against the Columbus Blue Jackets at the TD Garden.
- It’s the first meeting between the two teams this season. They’ll see each other again on Dec. 27 and Dec. 28.
- “We’re not happy with where our game is at.” — Jim Montgomery. After yesterday’s practice, Montgomery said they talked about puck management as there’s been too many turnovers. He said they also focused on habits and details in their defensive zone. The B’s obviously struggled in those areas on Saturday and will need to focus on them, and maybe get some confidence and consistency back against a struggling Columbus team.
- The Blue Jackets have had a rough stretch this mother. They are 1-6-1 in November so far. In that span, they’ve given up 36 goals and scored 18. For Columbus, Zach Werenski has four points in his last five games.
- There are also three Blue Jackets with a Boston connection. Jordan Harris and Zach Aston-Reese played at Northeastern University and Dante Fabbro went to Boston University.
- James van Riemsdyk returns to Boston. He has two goals and two assists in 12 games this season.
- Head-to-head, Columbus has faired better on special teams, especially to the Bruins still dead-last power play. The two clubs have a similar goals against average
- Yesterday’s practice updates: While Andrew Peeke practiced yesterday, Montgomery said it is doubtful he’ll be in the lineup. Brad Marchand had a maintenance day and Mark Kastelic, who left Saturday’s game with an injury, also missed the skate.
- ICYMI: The Bruins sent Riley Tufte back to Providence yesterday.
- There’s no decision yet on who will start in net. Montgomery said they will “evaluate” which goaltender will give the B’s the best chance to win. But he did add some times playing against former teams, like Joonas Korpisalo would be doing if he gets a second consecutive start, some times gives goaltenders more motivation. Korpisalo made 28 saves in Saturday’s loss and gave the B’s an opportunity to win with the stops he was making while they weren’t producing an offense, on the defense for a good portion of the game. But who knows. There may be more indication which way Montgomery is leaning after morning skate.
- See ya tonight!