Bruins are closing in on their final roster
The Bruins play their second-to-last preseason game against Philadelphia Thursday. They close out the preseason in Chicago Saturday. The lead dogs are not likely to play in the finale, so something resembling the varsity lineup could play against the Flyers.
Tuukka Rask will get the nod in goal Thursday. Anton Khudobin (lower body) did not practice Wednesday but could start Saturday.
“The Saturday game, not to get too far ahead of ourselves, we want to be careful to protect our core, if that makes sense,’’ coach Bruce Cassidy said. “Maybe look at the more marginal spots by then. I think some of the bigger questions have been answered. Now you’re filtering down by Saturday on, ‘OK, who fits in that bottom piece, sixth D, seventh D?’ ’’
In all likelihood, Anders Bjork has the top-line right-wing job locked up. Jake DeBrusk may not be as secure as the No. 2 left wing, but the second-year pro has the inside track.
On defense, Cassidy classified three defensemen in the running for the opening next to Adam McQuaid: Matt Grzelcyk, Rob O’Gara, and Paul Postma.
Wednesday’s practice lineup:
FORWARD LINES
Brad Marchand-Patrice Bergeron-Anders Bjork
Jake DeBrusk-David Krejci-David Pastrnak
Sean Kuraly-Ryan Spooner-David Backes
Matt Beleskey-Riley Nash-Noel Acciari
Frank Vatrano/Tim Schaller-Austin Czarnik-Teddy Purcell
Kenny Agostino -Jakob Forsbacka Karlsson-Danton Heinen
DEFENSE PAIRINGS
Zdeno Chara-Brandon Carlo
Kevan Miller-Charlie McAvoy
Matt Grzelcyk-Adam McQuaid
Rob O’Gara-Paul Postma
GOAL
Tuukka Rask
Malcolm Subban
Dan Vladar
