BOSTON -- The Boston Bruins (15-12-1, 31 points) host the Chicago Blackhawks (19-8-1, 39 points) on Thursday night at TD Garden. Here’s what to watch for:
RUNNING WITH THE BLACKHAWKS: Chicago is in the midst of a seven-game winning streak and present a major challenge for the struggling Bruins. Boston recently completed a 1-3-0 West Coast road trip. The Bruins are 5-4-1 in their last 10 games. Fortunately for Boston, home ice has been kind as the Bruins are 7-1-1 at TD Garden. The Blackhawks have outscored their opponents 25-11 over the past seven games.
THE CAPTAIN RETURNS: Bruins defenseman Zdeno Chara is expected to return to the lineup tonight, after missing the past 19 games due to a torn ligament in his left knee. Coach Claude Julien recently made a comment that opponents were happy Chara was out of the lineup, and now those teams are sad he’s returning. For the Bruins, Chara’s return against the Blackhawks comes at a crucial time.
“He can really make an impact on the game with his size, presence and defending ability,” said Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville. “He’s a threat on the power play in front of the net and brings a lot to the table. He’s certainly something to consider when he’s in the lineup. You’ve got to be aware of him on the ice, and he’s out there a lot.”
Chara should make a quick impact tonight with his physical play. He’s never been out of the lineup this long during his entire NHL career, and it’s obvious he’s anxious to return. He will be reunited with partner Dougie Hamilton, which means Dennis Seidenberg will play with Kevan Miller, and Torey Krug and Zach Trotman will be the third pairing for the Bruins.
QUESTIONABLE: While Chara is expected back, it appears forward David Krejci will not be in the lineup against the Blackhawks. He’s missed 17 games this season, including the past eight with a lower-body injury.
“He’s a huge part of their team and he’s been a huge part of their success, so that’s a big loss for them,” said Chicago forward Kris Versteeg, who played with Krejci in the minors for the Providence Bruins.
Krejci participated in the team’s practice twice this week, and was at Thursday’s morning skate, but he remained on the ice after it was well over, which is an indication he’s not playing.
MASKED MEN: Tuukka Rask will start for the Bruins against the Blackhawks’ Scott Darling. Rask is 12-8-1 with a 2.56 goals-against average and a .912 save percentage in 21 games this season. Rask is 8-4-1 in his last 13 starts. He also has a 1-0-1 career record in three regular-season games against the Blackhawks. Since Chicago’s No. 1 goalie, Corey Crawford, has missed four games with a lower-body injury, Darling will make his third consecutive start for the Blackhawks. He’s played a total of five games for Chicago this season, posting a 4-1-0 record with a 1.76 GAA and a .939 save percentage.
RIVALRY: This is the third time the Bruins and Blackhawks have played each other since Chicago beat Boston in the 2013 Stanley Cup finals. The Bruins are 1-0-1 in the last two meetings.
“Every time you play anyone in the finals it always builds a small rivalry, and every time you play each other again it’s always tough battles and tough games," said Bergeron. "Chicago is definitely one of the teams that’s a measuring stick for everyone in the league.”