Bruins practice lines shift with Hagens on IR

Jim McBride just posted the Bruins' Saturday practice lines and D pairs, and the second line has a familiar face back in the middle.

This is the final skate before Sunday's game against the Panthers at TD Garden, and the Bruins sit 12-4-1, first in the Atlantic Division.

The Bruins placed James Hagens on injured reserve this morning and recalled Mikey Eyssimont from Providence. McBride noted that Eyssimont was not yet spotted at today's practice, so he is not in the groups below.

McBride also noted that Hagens took a cross-check to the lower back in Pittsburgh Thursday night.

These are practice lines, not a confirmed lineup for Sunday. Coach Marco Sturm can change them before puck drop, and the Bruins haven't named anything yet.

The big note is Poitras. He's listed as day-to-day with a nose injury, yet he skated on the second line, so he looks ready to return after the broken nose. Matthew Poitras has 4 goals in 12 games this season, and Fraser Minten is in the middle of that group.

Why the Bruins' top line is the story

Pastrnak is riding with Peterka and Zacha again, and the numbers back it up. He leads the team with 22 points, on 8 goals and 14 assists.

Peterka has 13 points and a +11 rating, and Zacha has 12 points in 16 games. That trio is the engine of a team on a 3-game win streak.

McBride's lines show the depth Sturm is leaning on. Elias Lindholm's 14 points lead all of the forwards behind Pastrnak, and he anchors the third line with Mittelstadt and Khusnutdinov.

I like the look of the bottom six. Jeannot, Kuraly and Kastelic give Boston size and a heavy fourth line, which is exactly what you want against a team like Florida.

Hagens had 12 points in 17 games, so losing him hurts, and the Bruins will have to find that production elsewhere. Eyssimont has not played a game for Boston this season, so how he fits is still unclear.

The Bruins and Panthers drop the puck Sunday, and Sturm's final lineup will tell us who really takes Hagens' spot.

Quick hits

TORONTO MAPLE LEAFSMark Masters reports Sergei Bobrovsky was in the starter's net at the optional skate and appears set to face the Canadiens tonight. Toronto's crease looks settled.

WASHINGTON CAPITALSSammi Silber says Logan Thompson starts in goal against the Panthers today, with no other lineup changes. Washington stays steady.

CAROLINA HURRICANESCory Lavalette reports Pyotr Kochetkov is in the crease tonight against the Blackhawks, coming from morning skate.

FLORIDA PANTHERSNHL Rosters reports Anton Lundell will not play today as the Panthers visit the Capitals. He is considered day-to-day, which matters for Boston's next opponent.

MINNESOTA WILDMichael Russo reports Michael McCarron is questionable tonight against the Lightning after he did not finish the Wild's win over the Sharks.