Bruce Cassidy sensed a need for change after the Boston Bruins returned to the ice following their COVID-19 pause.
As per usual, the sixth-year Boston bench boss discussed specific lineup changes with his coaching staff following a 16-day layover between games. But in this particular instance, he turned to his potent top line of Brad Marchand, Patrice Bergeron, and David Pastrnak for advice ahead of the New Years Day matinee with the Buffalo Sabres.
A thinner COVID protocol list allowed Cassidy to adjust his lineup accordingly. And he received an endorsement from his potent top trio with one caveat: moving Pastrnak to the second line with Taylor Hall and Erik Haula.