David Backes appears to be the Bruins’ odd man out ahead of their first-round playoff series against the Toronto Maple Leafs.
With 13 healthy forwards battling for 12 spots, Backes was not a part of the opening line combinations during Monday morning’s practice at Warrior Ice Arena. Instead, Walpole native Chris Wagner skated on right wing alongside Noel Acciari and Joakim Nordstrom to round out the fourth line.
Coach Bruce Cassidy said the team is still “tinkering’’ with its line rushes but suggested Monday’s groupings are, at the very least, an indication of how the Bruins will start Game 1 Thursday night at TD Garden.