Bruins and Senators projected lineups revealed: A Boston Bruins forward will be healthy scratched

After stepping in for Steeves' last game, Viel now appears set to come back out of the lineup as Boston reshuffles its bottom six.

Steeves is projected to rejoin the lineup, skating alongside Fraser Minten and Michael Eyssimont.

Viel's insertion last game brought physicality and edge, but it also limited offensive flow. Against an Ottawa team that plays fast through the middle, Boston may be prioritizing mobility and transition play instead of straight-line forechecking.

Up top, the Bruins appear unchanged from last game. Marat Khusnutdinov remains alongside Elias Lindholm and David Pastrnak, while Morgan Geekie continues on the second line with Pavel Zacha and Casey Mittelstadt. Those combinations suggest the coaching staff wants continuity where production has been steady.

Ottawa's projected lineup features speed and skill through its top nine, especially with Brady Tkachuk and Tim Stutzle driving play.

Steeves offers more offensive instincts than Viel, even if his defensive game is still developing. Against the Senators' aggressive defense, Boston may need forwards who can make quick reads and extend possessions.

On the blue line, Boston's pairings remain intact, with Charlie McAvoy anchoring the top unit and the Bruins sticking with a balanced defensive rotation.

Here are both teams' projected lineups.

Senators projected lineup:

Bruins projected lineup: