BOSTON – As the Boston Bruins prepare to host the Vancouver Canucks on Tuesday night at TD Garden, they’ll be seeking their third consecutive victory under the guidance of interim head coach Joe Sacco. This pivotal matchup marks the beginning of their second set of back-to-back games this season, with the team set to travel to Long Island for a highly anticipated clash against the Islanders on Wednesday night. The looming away game adds an extra layer of complexity, as the Bruins will need to manage their energy levels and make strategic adjustments to emerge victorious in both contests.
Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the 7 p.m. ET puck drop on NESN and 98.5 The Sports Hub:
McLaughlin to Debut
Following his recall from Providence over the weekend, Marc McLaughlin is poised to make his season debut for the Bruins, slotting into the right wing position alongside Trent Frederic and Charlie Coyle on Boston’s third line. This new lineup configuration presents McLaughlin with an opportunity to solidify his role and make a lasting impact on the team’s performance.
“The onus is on McLaughlin to fill the third line role effectively tonight, working in tandem with Charlie and Freddy,” Sacco emphasized. “We need him to be a formidable presence on the ice, using his speed and agility to disrupt the Canucks’ defensemen and create scoring opportunities. Furthermore, it’s essential that he remains responsible defensively and makes the most of his chances by releasing his shot and testing the opposition’s goalie.”
With McLaughlin’s inclusion in the lineup, Tyler Johnson will be relegated to the role of healthy scratch up front, a situational move that underscores the Bruins’ desire to assess their depth and adapt to the ever-changing landscape of the season.
“Johnson’s current role necessitates him to be prepared for a varying level of playing time, and we see this as an opportunity to evaluate McLaughlin’s performance in a game situation,” Sacco explained. “Having observed McLaughlin in practice, it’s evident that he’s executing his skills at an elite level, and we’re eager to see him translate this form into the game. Hopefully, he can bring a fresh spark to our lineup tonight.”
McLaughlin’s previous experience with the Bruins has been sporadic, with the Billerica, Mass., native logging 11 games in the 2021-22 season (notching three goals) and just three appearances over the past two seasons (two in 2022-23 and one in 2023-24). However, his recent performances in Providence have been nothing short of exceptional, with McLaughlin riding a five-game goal streak that has propelled him into the spotlight.
“I believe my game has undergone significant growth over the past year, and I’m now playing with a higher level of detail and confidence,” McLaughlin reflected. “I’ve worked tirelessly to develop my skills, and I’m eager to see how they’ll be received at this level. One aspect of my game that I’m particularly proud of is my ability to balance offense and defense, and I’m excited to contribute to the team’s success in both facets.”
“For me, it’s all about being a well-rounded player, capable of making an impact on both sides of the puck,” McLaughlin continued. “I’ve been fortunate enough to see the puck go in the net a bit more frequently, which has helped to boost my confidence, and I’ve also made significant strides in my defensive game, becoming more solid and dependable in my own zone.”
