Need to Know: Bruins at Capitals

BOSTON - The Bruins look to grab their fifth consecutive win on Saturday night as they prepare for the first of two games in D.C against the Washington Capitals. After scoring 4 goals in their first three games of the 2021 season, the Black & Gold's offense has returned with vengeance, netting 18 goals in their last 4 matchups.
"We got off to a slow start. Not necessarily generating, but finishing chances…we're going to score goals. How much? Is it going to be enough on every night? There are probably nights they won't go in so easy," Head Coach Bruce Cassidy said. "We do feel we have more depth in our lineup more than we did last year in terms of offense and hopefully that translates for us."
Here's everything else you need to know ahead of Saturday'ss 7 p.m. ET puck drop (NESN and 98.5 The Sports Hub), presented by CDW:

Reunion with Chara

The B's will prepare for Saturday night's game against the Caps a little different than they have in the past, as former captain Zdeno Chara will dawn a red sweater on the opposing blue line.
"Seeing him in something other than a B's jersey is going to be pretty different and weird," said defenseman Connor Clifton. "Looking across at him during warmups will be something very different and I think you see past that and get ready to play against the Washington Capitals tonight."
After playing in Boston for 14 years, it's safe to say that Chara will remember a thing or two from the B's playbook.
"There are certain things he's going to bring that we know. There are certain things he knows about us," Cassidy said. "He went against our power play in practice for the last four years. He certainly has some ideas he is going to communicate and we've got to have a plan-B if we can't get the plays that we want."
Although it's always nice seeing an old friend, Cassidy was confident that his group will be ready to go for Saturday's showdown: There will be some shin pad taps, guys will talk, but I think some of that happens a little bit before the game and after the game. I think guys are just focused on their craft."
Bruins captain Patrice Bergeron also spoke about the nature of facing a long-time pal: "It's definitely going to be different. I've been very close to Zee for 14 years and I've learned tremendously from him. We have a special relationship…It's the nature of the business and Zee would tell you the same thing. Once you're on the ice, you have a job to do and it's about focusing on that."

Pastrnak's Debut

David Pastrnak will return to the Bruins lineup on Saturday night, reuniting with linemates Patrice Bergeron and Brad Marchand on the team's top unit.
"I'm sure he'll bring offense. He'll find pucks and get some looks," said Cassidy regarding the B's coveted goal-scorer. "Can he recover from a [long shift] if he gets stuck in his end? [Pastrnak] is probably not used to the physical play even though we tried to get him up to speed during practice. It's just not the same."
The Capitals, who are known for being a tough, physical team, will provide Pastrnak with a great first challenge as he returns to his role on the ice.
"That's the biggest challenge for anybody coming off a long lay off," said Cassidy. "The extended puck battles, the physical play, the traffic. Everybody has skated, everybody has handled pucks, it's the other stuff they got to be ready for. I imagine there will be some rust to shake off, he's no different than anyone else. But, we'll try to get him through it."

Domino Effect

As Pastrnak slides back into his role on the first line, Karson Kuhlman will also make his debut in the spoked-B on Saturday on the second unit alongside David Krejci and Nick Ritchie.
Craig Smith will shift down to the third line to play with Trent Frederic and Charlie Coyle.
"[Kuhlman] is going to start with Krejci. He hasn't played. Haven't seen a lot of Karson," Cassidy said. "We may spot different guys in with Krejci and Ritchie…let's see how Pasta legs are, can he handle a few extra shifts…a little bit will depend on how Pasta's doing and obviously Kuhlman himself."
Pastrnak will also reclaim his spot on the team's first power play unit, sending David Krejci back to the second unit to play with Craig Smith and Charlie Coyle.

By The Numbers

• The Bruins visit the Capitals tonight in the 1st of 8 games between these teams this season and the 1st of 4 to be played at Capital One Arena this year
• The Bruins and Capitals are meeting for the 164th time in their histories with the Bruins having a 78-52-21-12 record and 523-460 scoring advantage in those games.
• The Bruins are 35-27-12-7 vs. the Capitals lifetime on the road
• The Bruins are 2-1-1 in their last 4 games vs. Washington following an 0-11-3 stretch in their previous 14 games
• David Pastrnak's next assist will be the 200th of his NHL career.
• Zdeno Chara ranks second on the Capitals in time on ice (163:53)

Saturday's Projected Lineup

FORWARDS
Marchand - Bergeron - Pastrnak
Ritchie - Krejci - Kuhlman
Frederic - Coyle - Smith
Bjork - Kuraly - Wagner
DEFENSEMEN
Lauzon - McAvoy
Clifton - Carlo
Zboril - Miller
GOALIES
Rask
Halak