These five players could have an impact in the final meeting of the 2017-18 season between the Detroit Red Wings and Boston Bruins.
It could be a season series sweep for the Bruins on Tuesday night as they host the Detroit Red Wings at TD Garden.
Here are five key players to watch.
#5 Andreas Athanasiou
After going on a three-game point streak, Athanasiou is without a point in his last two games. The Red Wings could use his speed and playmaking ability against a Bruins team that has been hard to beat this season. He has yet to register a point against the Bruins this season and one would hope he would change that on Tuesday.
#4 Torey Krug
The Bruins forward has been very productive during Boston’s current three-game win streak. In his last three appearances, he has five points, including back-to-back multi-point games. He had a two-point game against the Red Wings earlier this season and if he can stay hot then the Red Wings will be in trouble.
#3 Anton Khudobin
With Tuukka Rask out on Tuesday night, Khudobin will most likely be the starter in net for the home side. He has been one of the best backups in the National Hockey League this season. The 31-year-old has posted a record of 14-4-4 and a 2.34 goals against average.
This would be Khudobin’s first start against the Red Wings this season. Rask played a big role in the Bruins three previous wins against the Wings, so it will be interesting to see if Khudobin can match his teammate’s performance in this one.
#2 Dylan Larkin
The Red Wings scoring leader has four points in his last five games and is just two points away from reaching 50 points on the year. Larkin has had a point in two of the three meetings against the Bruins this season. He will have to come up big for the Red Wings here if they want a win on the road.
#1 Brad Marchand
It wouldn’t be a true players to watch article if Marchand were left out. The forward has been an ever-present scorer machine this season. He has five points against the Red Wings in two games and always seems to play a big part in the outcome of any game between the Bruins and Wings.
With six points in his last five games, Marchand is showing no signs of slowing down anytime soon. If the Red Wings want to win this one they will have to find a way to keep Marchand from getting on the score sheet.