"He's able to physically dominate guys — which I think is his superpower." The post A new partnership between McAvoy, Zadorov has Bruins defense regaining some bite appeared first on Boston.com.

BOSTON — At his pregame availability before Saturday’s game against Carolina, Marco Sturm gave his normal Bruins lineup updates. Jeremy Swayman will start in goal. Viktor Arvidsson will play more on the power play with Elias Lindholm out, and there are no changes on defense.

The Boston Bruins are back in action for their 14th game of the season, as the Bruins host the Carolina Hurricanes for a Saturday Matinée.

Despite the Hurricanes’ rally, the Bruins stayed in command the rest of the game. They did not stray from their structure. Their forecheck arrived on time. They limited Carolina’s center-ice speed. In the defensive zone, the Bruins reduced the Hurricanes’ time up high with smothering man-to-man coverage. Around the net, the Bruins had layers.

BOSTON - Alexander Nikishin scored his second goal of the season to give the Carolina Hurricanes late life at TD Garden, but it was not enough to overcome a two-goal deficit as they fell 2-1 to the Boston Bruins on Saturday.

The Bruins' struggles continue to make Pavel Zacha the subject of trade speculation, along with Blue Jackets winger Yegor Chinakhov. The Blues, meanwhile, remain patient with their core players.

Head coach Mick Cronin has preached experience, talent, toughness – and his veteran-laden squad with nine returners and five transfers has bought in.

Much like last season, David Pastrnak and Morgan Geekie have carried the Bruins’ offense. Pastrnak’s 15 points rank near the top of the league, and Geekie’s already up to eight goals, including six in his last five games.