Bruins Face Off Against Blue Jackets: Essential Game Details

The Boston Bruins head to Nationwide Arena to play the Columbus Blue Jackets on Sunday evening. The club arrives after a 6-3 win over the Minnesota Wild at TD Garden the night before.

Game basics

Puck drop is scheduled for 5 p.m. in Columbus. This is the second of three regular-season meetings between the teams.

The Bruins beat Columbus 4-2 on Feb. 26. That earlier result gives Boston a season series edge so far.

Playoff picture

Both clubs remain locked in the Eastern Conference playoff race. Boston holds the first wild-card spot with 90 points.

The Blue Jackets occupy the second wild-card slot with 87 points. Each point has significance down the stretch.

Goaltending plan

Jeremy Swayman will start in net for the Bruins. It marks the first time this season he will play both nights of a back-to-back.

Swayman made 31 saves against Minnesota on Saturday. His season numbers stand at a 2.72 goals-against average and a .908 save percentage through 49 games.

Coach confidence

Head coach Marco Sturm expressed strong trust in Swayman’s readiness. Sturm noted the goalie had extra rest and performed well in the prior game.

Lineup update

Defenseman Henri Jokiharju will enter the lineup. He replaces Mason Lohrei, who is dealing with an upper-body issue.

Jokiharju will skate on the second pairing alongside Hampus Lindholm. Jokiharju last played Tuesday against the Toronto Maple Leafs and registered an assist in that contest.

Sturm described Lohrei’s condition as ongoing and said the team will evaluate him day by day.

Special-teams adjustments

The Bruins plan to change their power-play approach. Coaches will deploy two different units to spark production.

The power play has been inconsistent. Sturm said the team needs that element restored for success in tight games.

Quick game details

For essential game details as the Bruins face off and for continued coverage, follow Filmogaz.com. Updates will appear as the game progresses.