In exactly seven, the Bruins will hit the ice for the first time in 2017-18 as they welcome the Nashville Predators to TD Garden. As the anticipation towards the new regular season continues, the Black and Gold are set to embark on their second to last preseason game in Philadelphia against the Flyers.

Some of the members in Thursday’s lineup will likely skate with their fellow linemates and D pairings. For others, it’s about making a good impression for one of the final roster spots, including Torey Krug’s void on defense.

Important decisions are ahead for GM Don Sweeney, head coach Bruce Cassidy and the rest of the front office before Tuesday’s 5 p.m. deadline, where all teams must have cap compliant rosters. The rosters for the next two games will give Bruins fans their closest look at what their regular season lineup might look like.

“I think [tonight] is the closest that our lineup will look like [next Thursday] if you want to use that term,” Cassidy said.

Some evaluations are still needed, but for the most part, Cassidy will be assessing how the team responds in even strength and special team situations.

“Are we suspectable to odd-man rushes or are we getting ahead? Are we loading and replacing or looking out for one another? Those are definitely issues we’ll look at. In the defensive zone, are we quick enough? Are we switching up our lines and our lines reading each other quick enough?” Cassidy said.

“And then, there still is some evaluation. There are probably four or five guys that we need to keep our eye on individually.”

Some veterans, like Zdeno Chara, Ryan Spooner, Tim Schaller and Riley Nash, will not be making the trip to the City of Brotherly Love. That opens the door for the likes of Rob O’Gara, Matt Grzeclyk, Paul Postma, Jakob Forsbacka Karlsson, Sean Kuraly, Kenny Agostino and Danton Heinen to impress the Bruins’ brass at least one more time before another round of roster cuts.

Tuukka Rask will start his second preseason game, while Malcolm Subban will play the role of backup. Anton Khudobin (lower body), who skated during an optional session on Thursday at Warrior Ice Arena, will likely get the nod during Saturday’s preseason finale in Chicago.

Here’s a look at what the Bruins’ lineup might look like for Thursday’s game against the Flyers, which can be heard on 98.5 The Sports Hub.

Brad Marchand-Patrice Bergeron-Anders Bjork
Jake DeBrusk-David Krejci-David Pastrnak
Danton Heinen-Jacob Forsbacka Karlsson-David Backes
Frank Vatrano-Sean Kuraly-Kenny Agostino

Kevan Miller-Charlie McAvoy
Matt Grzeclyk-Adam McQuaid
Rob O’Gara-Paul Postma
(Brandon Carlo)

Tuukka Rask
Malcolm Subban