Cassidy discusses key Bruins lineup decisions for Game 6
Bruins head coach Bruce Cassidy announced a pair of key lineup decisions for the team ahead of Wednesday’s do-or-die Game 6 against the New York Islanders. Tuukka Rask will again start in goal, while winger Jake DeBrusk will go back into the lineup after a healthy scratch in Game 5.
Rask allowed four goals, including three on Islanders power plays, on 16 shots in the Bruins’ 5-4 loss to the Isles in Game 5 on Monday night. Backup goalie Jeremy Swayman entered the game in relief of Rask in the third period, and allowed one goal on three shots.
“He’s ready to go, so that’s it, it’s that simple,” Cassidy said on Rask. “He’s our starting goalie, and he’s healthy and ready to go, and let’s hope he’s on tonight, and we’re better in front of him than Game 5.”
🎥 Coach Cassidy confirms that Tuukka Rask will start Game 6. Jake DeBrusk will enter the lineup and play with Charlie Coyle and Karson Kuhlman. pic.twitter.com/5mjjS6px9o
— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) June 9, 2021
DeBrusk, meanwhile, reenters the lineup in Game 6 amid offensive struggles. He had gone five straight games without a point. He has two goals and one assist in nine playoff games overall.
Right wing Karson Kuhlman will stay in the lineup, with him and DeBrusk flanking third-line center Charlie Coyle. Fourth-line center Curtis Lazar will miss Game 6 with a lower body injury. Nick Ritchie will slide down to the fourth line with Sean Kuraly at center and Chris Wagner on the right side.
“The message is ‘help us win,’ it’s that simple, help us win the game,” Cassidy said on DeBrusk. “From shift to shift, the puck might find him a lot. That might involve scoring. It might never find him all night, but then he’s got to help keep the puck out of our net and do a good job backchecking [on the] defensive side of the puck. So, you play the game in front of you, and help the team win, and how that game develops.”
Game 6 is set for a 7:30 p.m puck drop at Nassau Coliseum Wednesday night. Get the call of the game on 98.5 The Sports Hub, starting with pregame at 7.
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