Need to Know: Bruins at Coyotes

TEMPE, Ariz. - Many of the Bruins are no strangers to playing in college arenas.
The Black & Gold boast eight players that spent time in the NCAA and are used to the intimate and engaging atmosphere that often defines the college hockey experience.
And on Friday night, they'll get a chance to embrace that type of environment, once again, as the Bruins visit the Arizona Coyotes for their first trip to Arizona State University's Mullett Arena, which will serve as the Coyotes home for the next three seasons.

"It's exciting," said coach Jim Montgomery, who played at the University of Maine and coached at the University of Denver. "I told a lot of guys, think about your rival in junior hockey, college hockey, or whatever European league you played in.
"This is what you're walking into tonight so relish the moment. I think if you take yourself back to your younger days, it gives you a little spark and energy to be excited."
While the venue, which holds roughly 5,000 spectators, is certainly much smaller than a typical NHL arena, a packed barn is expected to create a raucous atmosphere, which the players are eager to experience.
"I think it's gonna be pretty cool," said Trent Frederic, who played two seasons at the University of Wisconsin. "It kind of reminds me of Penn State when I played in the Big 10, kind of like Yost Arena in Michigan. I liked those two rinks. I thought we always played well there, so hopefully it's similar.
"When you're playing, you only see the first 10 rows and up, so it works out fine. I think it will be pretty much the same."

The Bruins know they must be prepared for a Coyotes team that will be itching to get back on the right track after six straight losses. Arizona will also be back at their new home for the first time since Nov. 3 after playing 14 consecutive road games.
"I think it will be a lot of fun. It's a smaller building but I betcha it's gonna sell out and get loud in there," said Connor Clifton, who played his college hockey at Quinnipiac. "I know those guys are coming off a long trip so they're gonna be excited to play tonight. A little bigger than Quinnipiac but not too much. It will be pretty similar."

Wait, There's More

Friday's Projected Lineup

FORWARDS
Brad Marchand - Patrice Bergeron - Jake DeBrusk
Pavel Zacha - David Krejci - David Pastrnak
Taylor Hall - Charlie Coyle - Trent Frederic
Nick Foligno - Tomas Nosek - Craig Smith
DEFENSEMEN
Hampus Lindholm - Charlie McAvoy
Matt Grzelcyk - Brandon Carlo
Derek Forbort - Connor Clifton
GOALIES
Jeremy Swayman
Linus Ullmark