Coyle will start the game on the third line on the wing with Matt Poitras, who returns at center and Trent Frederic. Vinni Lettieri will play his first game in Boston this season in Coyle’s regular spot with Elias Lindholm and Brad Marchand. Oliver Wahlstrom will sit out with Coyle available.

The Bruins called up Matt Poitras from Providence on Tuesday, but the team also placed Charlie McAvoy on injured reserve.

BOSTON, MA - JANUARY 14: Boston Bruins center Matthew Poitras (51) flips the puck up ice during a game between the Boston Bruins and the Tampa Bay Lightning on January 14, 2025, at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Fred Kfoury III/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

The Bruins are already shorthanded in this contest, as Charlie McAvoy and Mark Kastelic were placed on injured reserve earlier today. In addition, Hampus Lindholm is still not ready to return to the lineup. Thus, not having another key player in Coyle against the Lightning would be tough for Boston.

Being back in the NHL tends to make days sunny again.

Coyle was deemed a game-time decision earlier in the day but looks fine to play. The 32-year-old is likely to play in his usual third-line role. Oliver Wahlstrom is projected to come out of the lineup Tuesday while Matthew Poitras will also suit up after his call-up earlier in the day.

But they could also get worse between now and the 2025 NHL trade deadline, and that’s something that Bruins president Cam Neely addressed Wednesday night. “I think, right now, we’ve gotta look at two paths: one that we’re buying and one that we may just be retooling a little bit,

As you may have heard, rumours are swirling from multiple insiders that the Vancouver Canucks are soliciting offers on J.T. Miller and Elias Pettersson.

The Bruins need to string some wins together. Improved play from the second line would help. “We just haven’t been good enough,” said Brad Marchand.

Bruins president Cam Neely admitted that Boston has to prepare for "two paths" as buyers or sellers this season.

The Boston Bruins are barely hanging onto a playoff spot, and Cam Neely said they are still decided which path to take at the NHL trade deadline.