David Backes gets top line duty vs. Red Wings

Both Jack Studnicka and Jakob Forsbacka Karlsson made the most of their opportunities centering Brad Marchand and David Pastrnak in China. But with the regular season a mere one week away, the Bruins will let a veteran handle top-line duty against the Red Wings in their second to last preseason tilt.

David Backes, who has skated with the talented Marchand-Pastrnak duo before, will slot in at first line center Wednesday evening at TD Garden.

First line center and assistant captain Patrice Bergeron, who is still hopeful for opening night in the nation’s capital, is still recovering from off-season groin surgery and a recent bout with back spasms. The four-time Selke winner will resume skating…