Beantown Bound

Yet again, Ottawa Senator fans have to wake up early than usual and wtach their Sens play the Boston Bruins, in Boston on a matinee. Heard of this before? Just this past Monday, the Ottawa Senators played Boston in an early game, defeating them 5-1 on El Capitano’s Trick. Let’s hope that formula for success is repeated.

I’d like to iterate that the Senators are 4 points ahead of the Bruins in the standings. Even if Boston snatches the win today, Ottawa will remain in 5th place in the Leastern Conference. However, if Ottawa can win the final game between these two teams in the regular season, they’ll be 6 points ahead, putting them in good place to actually make the playoffs. As we all know, Jason Spezza is back tonight which is always good news. Seems like his early comeback is another step in a future captaincy role for the Dispenser. He will play on the first line alongside Milan Michalek and Daniel Alfredsson. Shean Donovan will yet again be the healthy scratch and somehow Jonathan Cheechoo still lives on. Zack Smith was sent down yesterday to Binghamton. Great to see Smith play so well, and he’s locked his spot on the roster next season (or even earlier?).

As I predicted the Kovalev-Regin-Shannon line will remain the second line in an attempt to keep their chemistry going. surprisingly, Mike Fisher will centre Nick Foligno and Chris Neil on the 3rd line. I know some Sens fans will flak Cory Clouston for that, but Fisher is great everywhere, and he’s ahd chemistry in the past with Furbiligno and Neiler. The former third line now becomes the fourth line on Ruutu-Kelly-Cheechoo.

Anton Volchenkov is not seriously injured. That’s a huge relief. But unfortunately, he won’t be playing today in an attempt to rest him. I think it’s a good idea, and to get Volchie back on the jets on Tuesday against the Trappers. Alexandre Picard comes back in, and will play once again with Matt Carkner on the 3rd pairing. Except Filip Kuba to play with Chris Phillips.

I can see Ottawa winning this game. With a rattled Thomas behind the net and hot hand in Elliott on the other side, it may play advantage to Ottawa. The big deal will be if the D-Corps can handle Boston’s potent offense. Even though Marc Savard in injured again, they still have some big threats. And of course we always have to be afraid of ex-Sen Zdeno Chara. Though, if Ottawa dictates the pace early on, they will win.

4-2 Sens. Alfredsson, Kuba, Kelly, and Spezza score. Krejci and Sturm reply for the Bruins.

GO SENS GO!!!