Boston Bruins News

Viel opened the 2021 season in the AHL, scoring two goals with two assists in 17 games. He will play on the fourth line with Patrick Marleau and Marcus Sorensen in his debut.

Pitlick was forced to leave Monday's game vs. the Avalanche and will miss at least a couple of weeks with a lower-body injury. With Pitlick out on Friday, look for Drake Caggiula to draw back into the lineup vs. the Sharks.

Zacha was scratched after being listed as a game-time decision on Thursday but is expected to play in today's rematch vs. Pittsburgh. Zacha has had a nice campaign to-date, scoring seven goals with 10 assists (17 points) in 26 games. He will replace Nathan Bastian, who is now week-to-week with an injury of his own.

Zacha was on the ice for the morning skate but was unable to finish the session, making him questionable to play Thursday. If Zacha can't play, look for Michael McLeod to draw back into the lineup.

Stralman has missed the last four games with a lower-body injury but is expected to play Saturday vs. the Blackhawks. Stralman, who has two goals and six assists (eight points) in 22 games this season, will be back on a pair with Keith Yandle.

Mitchell, who was a healthy scratch for the last two games, will replace Nicolas Beaudin in the lineup on Saturday. Mitchell has four points (2G / 2A), 19 shots and a minus-6 rating in 26 games this season.

Rask was not on the ice for Thursday's morning skate and will not dress vs. the Rangers. Dan Vladar will be Jaroslav Halak's backup and Rask should be considered day-to-day.

Lettieri has been a healthy scratch for the last six games but will suit up for the third time on Wednesday. Lettieri will replace Troy Terry, who is out with an upper-body injury.