The Bruins are trying to stack another strong home effort tonight after that statement win over the Vegas Golden Knights. The projected look suggests Marco Sturm liked most of what he saw, and he is resisting the urge to shuffle.

The biggest change is in net, with Swayman projected to start and Joonas Korpisalo backing up. That alone can change the feel of the bench, because the goalie choice often signals how seriously the staff is treating the matchup.

Up front, the top line keeps its speed and touch, with Marat Khusnutdinov alongside Elias Lindholm and Pastrnak. The middle of the lineup stays familiar too, as Pavel Zacha centers Casey Mittelstadt and Viktor Arvidsson.

The third group has Alex Steeves with Fraser Minten and Morgan Geekie, while Tanner Jeannot stays on a grinding line with Sean Kuraly and Mark Kastelic. Jim McBride's projection also has Michael Eyssimont listed as the odd forward out again.

On defense, it is Jonathan Aspirot with McAvoy, then Nikita Zadorov with Andrew Peeke, and Hampus Lindholm with Lohrei. Henri Jokiharju is the extra defender, which is notable after his recent return to the roster.

Jeremy Swayman start keeps Bruins calm

As a Bruins fan, I like the confidence, because it says the Bruins trust their game more than they fear the noise.

The scratches tell a story, too. Eyssimont and Jokiharju are useful pieces, but tonight looks like a bet on continuity, especially with Peeke back and the pairs settling into clearer roles.

Against Montreal, Boston's biggest job is keeping its breakouts clean and its slot coverage tight. When that happens, the lines above can actually spend time attacking instead of chasing.

Now it is on Swayman to give them that early settle, and on the skaters to start on time. If the Bruins play connected, this lineup is built to look boring in the best way, and boring usually wins at home.