Boston will also have a season debut up front, as Jack Studnicka slides into the lineup as the third-line center with Charlie Coyle bumping out to play the right wing. Trent Frederic will remain as the third-line left wing, while A.J. Greer will slide down to play the right side on the fourth line.
"Super excited, been looking forward to it," said Studnicka. "Been getting a little antsy. Just trying to play my game, be on my toes, be on pucks, be good defensively and maybe contribute being on a line with some offensive guys…it's not like I played a game and played my way out of the lineup. I just haven't really gotten the opportunity yet so staying positive and really excited for tonight."
Montgomery added that he believes Studnicka can also play the wing but given that it's the 23-year-old's first game of the season, he wants to put him in the best position to succeed.
"I believe he can play wing because he is a smart hockey player, but it's his first game," said Montgomery. "I want to put him in situations to succeed and he's used to playing center. So, we're going to put him there. I want him to be able to hang on to pucks in the offensive zone, create offense for us. I'm hoping to see him compete hard on pucks, pressure pucks when we don't have it and just be reliable on faceoffs."
Boston's bench boss labeled Coyle as a "safety net" as someone who can play heavy minutes, while being versatile enough to move up and down the lineup and also shift between center and wing.
"There's guys that are in your lineup that are glue guys," said Montgomery. "They move up and down the lineup and he's one of them. I believe that as a coach he's like a safety net and he allows you to either spark other players or help continue to develop others.
"I think he's done a great job with Trent Frederic and Greer. And we want to get other people in the lineup. So, there's an opportunity when he's going to work with Frederic and Studs."
