Sun Nov 30 02:30:00 UTC 2025: News Article:

Bruins Face Rangers on Black Friday with Shortened Roster, Korpisalo in Goal

BOSTON – The Boston Bruins will host the New York Rangers for a Black Friday matinee at TD Garden at 1:00 PM, but will be facing a tough challenge due to injuries. Star forward David Pastrnak and center Pavel Zacha are both out with day-to-day injuries, forcing coach Marco Sturm to reshuffle the lineup.

“I am not worried at all because we’ve done it as a group before with a lot of guys out,” Sturm stated, emphasizing the team’s ability to adapt.

Goaltender Joonas Korpisalo has been confirmed as the starter for the Bruins.

In response to the injuries, forward Georgii Merkulov has been recalled from Providence. The 25-year-old has 14 points in 17 AHL games this season and will look to make an impact in his NHL return. Casey Mittelstadt will also return after recovering from a lower-body injury that has kept him out since November 6th. Riley Tufte will also return to the lineup. Michael Callahan has been assigned to Providence, and Matěj Blümel has been placed on long-term injured reserve after sustaining an injury in Wednesday’s game.

Sturm acknowledged the Rangers’ recent improvement, stating, “They had a tough start, but they’ve been pretty good as of late. Very good on the road. Slowly getting their guys back, too.”

This game marks the first of three meetings between the Bruins and Rangers this season.

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