Bruins lean on their blue line against Panthers

The Bruins' defense, led by Hampus Lindholm, faces the Panthers on Sunday after Saturday's practice, with Boston sitting at 12-4-1.

Boston comes in on a three-game win streak, and Florida arrives after losing 4-3 in Washington earlier today. The Bruins' practice lines and pairs show who will be asked to slow the Panthers down.

The forward groups moved because James Hagens is on injured reserve. Poitras, Minten and Geekie now make up the second line, while Mittelstadt, Lindholm and Khusnutdinov handle the third.

The defense has not needed any reshuffling to look good. Boston has scored 64 goals and allowed 40, a +24 differential that tells you the back end is doing its share.

At home the Bruins are 7-1-0, and Sunday is a chance to protect that at TD Garden against a Florida team that is 9-6-2.

Jim McBride posted Saturday's practice lines and defense pairs, with Lindholm and McAvoy on the top pair and Zadorov alongside Borgen on the second.

Lindholm sits at +14 through 17 games. McAvoy has played only 11, but he has 8 points in them, which is the kind of production that makes a top pair dangerous at both ends.

Borgen's plus-16 is Boston's quiet edge

William Borgen owns a +16 rating, higher than Lindholm's, and he has done it with 4 points and a steady role beside Zadorov. That pair gets less attention than it deserves, and Borgen's number is the proof.

The third pair of Brunet and Lohrei also has value. Frederic Brunet has 5 points in 11 games, including a power-play goal, so Boston is getting offense from spots where it usually doesn't.

In goal, Jeremy Swayman has 12 appearances and Michael DiPietro has 5. Both are listed on the practice sheet, and Sunday's starter has not been named here.

That workload split was already in place when Jeremy Swayman's start against the Golden Knights was announced earlier this week, and the results have backed it up.

Offense still gets the headlines, especially with David Pastrnak leading a Bruins run built on depth. But a goals-against total of 40 is why Boston can afford a few bumps in the forward lines.

Florida has 55 goals scored this season, and the Bruins' defense gets its first look at that group on Sunday.

Quick hits

NEW JERSEY DEVILSThe Devils confirmed that Jake Allen starts in goal tonight at the Islanders, not Connor Hellebuyck or David Rittich. That's a clear vote of confidence from the bench, and a big call on a busy night.

NEW YORK RANGERSThe Rangers have placed goaltender James Reimer on unconditional waivers for the purpose of contract termination. That's a major cleanup move in the crease.

BUFFALO SABRESDefenseman Jack Rathbone cleared waivers, so no team claimed him from the Sabres. Buffalo keeps its depth option, and the waiver wire stays quiet.

EDMONTON OILERSThe Oilers have placed Atro Leppanen on waivers, hours before tonight's game against the Canucks. Edmonton is clearing space before puck drop.

COLORADO AVALANCHEJared Bednar will become the 48th coach in NHL history to coach 800 games tonight when the Avalanche host the Red Wings. Rare company, and a good night to reach it at home.