Bruins Lineup Changes vs Stars: Zacha, Zadorov Return Tonight

The Boston Bruins will have Pavel Zacha and Nikita Zadorov back in the lineup on Tuesday night, October 20, when Boston closes its four-game road trip against the Dallas Stars at American Airlines Center at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN. Head coach Marco Sturm confirmed both returns on Tuesday, and Jeremy Swayman will start in net as the 7-2-0 Bruins chase a sixth straight win.





What are the Bruins lineup changes vs Stars?


The Bruins lineup changes vs Stars start at the top of the forward group. Pavel Zacha returns to the lineup after sitting out Saturday's game in Los Angeles with an upper-body injury, and Zacha was a full participant in the morning skate in Dallas.


Zacha centered the first line between JJ Peterka and David Pastrnak at the skate, restoring Boston's top line for the Dallas game. Zacha said he was feeling back to 100 percent and called the absence a quick turnaround.


Sean Kuraly will sit out as a healthy scratch with Zacha back, per reports from Dallas. The Bruins starting lineup tonight also keeps David Pastrnak on the first power-play unit. Pastrnak enters Tuesday on a five-game point streak with 10 points, four goals and six assists, in that stretch.





Why is Nikita Zadorov back in the Bruins lineup?


Nikita Zadorov will also reenter the Boston Bruins lineup on the second pair with Will Borgen. The 31-year-old defenseman was a healthy scratch against the Los Angeles Kings on Saturday after taking three minor penalties against the Anaheim Ducks on Friday.


Jonathan Aspirot, who played in Zadorov's place against Los Angeles, will draw out of the lineup in Dallas. Marco Sturm said he believes Zadorov will be a much better hockey player when he comes back, adding that Zadorov just has to play his game and be rock solid.


Zadorov leads the Bruins in penalty minutes this season, so his discipline will be watched closely against a Dallas Stars team that has allowed the fewest goals in the league so far. Boston needs Zadorov's physical style without the trips to the penalty box.





Can Jeremy Swayman lead Boston to a sixth straight win in Dallas?


Jeremy Swayman will start in net for the Boston Bruins on Tuesday in Dallas, his eighth start of the season. Swayman made 25 saves in Saturday's win over Los Angeles and carries a 1.85 goals-against average, a .934 save percentage and a 6-1 record into the Stars game.


The Bruins swept the West Coast portion of this road trip, beating San Jose, Anaheim and Los Angeles, but Boston lost 6-3 in its last visit to American Airlines Center on March 31. Marco Sturm said he hopes his players remember that embarrassment in Dallas last year, adding that Boston will have its hands full against a really good Dallas club.





What threat do the Dallas Stars pose to the Bruins?


The Dallas Stars enter Tuesday at 4-3-1 after a 4-0 win over Chicago on Saturday, when Jake Oettinger made a 19-save shutout and Arttu Hyry scored two goals. Mikko Rantanen leads Dallas with eight points, two goals and six assists, through eight games, and defenseman Miro Heiskanen averages 25 minutes and 10 seconds a night.


After Tuesday, Boston returns home to TD Garden to host Nashville on Thursday, October 22. A win in Dallas would finish the road trip unbeaten.


Frequently Asked Questions


What time is the Bruins vs Stars game tonight?

The Boston Bruins play the Dallas Stars on Tuesday, October 20 at 8 p.m. ET at American Airlines Center in Dallas. The game airs nationally on ESPN.


Is Pavel Zacha playing tonight against Dallas?

Yes. Pavel Zacha returns to the Boston Bruins lineup against the Dallas Stars after missing Saturday's game against Los Angeles with an upper-body injury. Zacha centered the first line at the morning skate and said he feels back to 100 percent.


Who is the Bruins starting goalie against the Stars?

Jeremy Swayman will start in net for the Boston Bruins against the Dallas Stars. Swayman is 6-1 this season with a 1.85 goals-against average and a .934 save percentage.


Sources:

https://www.nhl.com/bruins/news/need-to-know-bruins-at-stars-x7872

https://www.si.com/nhl/bruins/onsi/news/bruins-lineup-changes-vs-stars-zadorov-zacha-set-to-return

https://www.nhl.com/stars/news/game-day-guide-boston-bruins-vs-dallas-stars-102026

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