Bruins announce roster for Tuesday vs. Capitals
Just eight days away from their season opener, the Bruins will wrap up their home preseason slate Tuesday night when the Washington Capitals come to town.
And for many, it’ll be their last chance to impress Jim Montgomery and potentially earn a deeper look, especially with Thursday’s preseason finale in New York being looked at as the ‘dress rehearsal’ by the team.
Up front, Tuesday’s gam with the Capitals will see the Bruins roll with a forward group featuring Johnny Beecher, Trent Frederic, Danton Heinen, Trevor Kuntar, Jakub Lauko, Milan Lucic, Brad Marchand, Jayson Megna, David Pastrnak, Matt Poitras, James van Riemsdyk, and Pavel Zacha.

Sep 24, 2023; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Bruins center Matthew Poitras (51) celebrates a goal against the New York Rangers with defenseman Reilly Walsh (92) during the first period at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports
Obviously the big story is Poitras getting his second game in as many nights, and with the 19-year-old looking like a serious contender for a spot on the NHL roster out of the gate.
As has been noted many times, but due to the NHL-CHL agreement, Poitras is in a situation where he has to make the NHL roster or it’s off to Guelph for another season in the OHL. The Bruins could keep him around for a nine-game trial run, but if they were to keep him after that nine-game run and send him back to Guelph, it would burn the first year of his entry-level contract and the Bruins would be unable to recall Poitras until his juniors season came to an end.
But Poitras has looked the part of someone ready to take that next step (and the Bruins have loved his willingness to compete despite his smaller frame) and Poitras came through with another helper in Monday’s loss in Philadelphia.
This game should also come with a look at what the Bruins expect to be one their Opening Night top-six lines, with James van Riemsdyk to the left of Pavel Zacha and David Pastrnak.

Sep 26, 2023; Buffalo, New York, USA; Bruins defenseman Mason Lohrei (6) looks for the puck during the first period against the Buffalo Sabres at KeyBank Center. (Timothy T. Ludwig/USA TODAY Sports)
On the backend, the Bruins will lean on a blue line featuring Derek Forbort, Matt Grzelcyk, Mason Lohrei, Charlie McAvoy, Kevin Shattenkirk, and Jakub Zboril.
Can Lohrei, who is entering his first full year of pro hockey, continue to make a strong impression on the Bruins? His puck play has been noticeably good, and the Bruins have been impressed with his ability to keep up with plays. The biggest thing the Bruins want to see is Lohrei’s play away from the puck.
Zboril, meanwhile, may need to bring his A-game to this one, especially with the way that Ian Mitchell has been pushing in this training camp.
And in goal, the Bruins will ride with a tandem of Brandon Bussi and Linus Ullmark.