Coyle will start the game on the third line on the wing with Matt Poitras, who returns at center and Trent Frederic. Vinni Lettieri will play his first game in Boston this season in Coyle’s regular spot with Elias Lindholm and Brad Marchand. Oliver Wahlstrom will sit out with Coyle available.

If he can’t go, the Bruins will be down several veterans. In addition to Hampus Lindholm, who is already out, Boston out both Charlie McAvoy and Mark Kastelic on injured reserve on Tuesday.

This was the Bruins' first game since president Cam Neely revealed earlier this week that the club could retool its roster. This loss only strengthens the argument that the Bruins should make roster changes.

The Bruins are already shorthanded in this contest, as Charlie McAvoy and Mark Kastelic were placed on injured reserve earlier today. In addition, Hampus Lindholm is still not ready to return to the lineup. Thus, not having another key player in Coyle against the Lightning would be tough for Boston.

"I think his game is in a better place right now. He’s a guy that deserves an opportunity, based on his play.” The post Bruins call up Matt Poitras, Charlie McAvoy lands on IR appeared first on Boston.

Coyle was deemed a game-time decision earlier in the day but looks fine to play. The 32-year-old is likely to play in his usual third-line role. Oliver Wahlstrom is projected to come out of the lineup Tuesday while Matthew Poitras will also suit up after his call-up earlier in the day.

OTTAWA, Ontario — In a matchup of teams fighting for position at the tail end of the Eastern Conference playoff structure, the Bruins dropped a 6-5 shootout decision to the Senators on Saturday at Canadian Tire Centre.

Brad Marchand was clearly not at his best in the Bruins’ 6-5 shootout loss to the Ottawa Senators on Saturday. He had trouble handling the puck most of the afternoon and was slow to close on Josh Norris before the Senator scored the tying goal with 12 seconds left in regulation.

Matt Poitras looked more like a player who captured the imagination of fans last year than the one who struggled through 14 games this season.

Lindholm has been a 22-point flop. He is signed for six more seasons with no-move protection through 2029. Lindholm, 30, is practically untradeable, even if the Bruins eat part of his remaining salary.

Now, with Wahlstrom taking Zacha's reps, it is most likely just a maintenance day. But with the Bruins not doing great and with Zacha's play on the fence and you're now one place out of the wild card in the second half of the season, shouldn't everybody be practicing?

After the Bruins' brutal loss, head coach Joe Sacco made some serious changes to the club's lines at practice. After being scratched last game, Oliver Wahlstrom skated on the first line at practice. Morgan Geekie also moved down the middle, while David Pastrnak played at right wing.