Game Day: Ottawa Senators @ Boston Bruins – Welcome Matt Gilroy
By Kevin Lee
Tuesday, February 28th, 2012
7:00 pm
Sportsnet, Team 1200
8th East (29-25-5)@9th East (31-22-8)
The Ottawa Senators visit their Northeast rivals, the Boston Bruins for tonight’s tilt. The Sens are coming off a reasurring 5-2 victory against the NY Islanders at home, while the Bruins last played in Ottawa clinging on to a 5-3 victory. This is an important game for both teams as either of them could find themselves at the top of the Northeast division by the time playoffs roll around. Boston has dominated Ottawa so far this season winning all four meetings they’ve had.
Boston is led in scoring by two way forward Patrice Bergeron who stands at 52 points (19G 33A). Behind him is the sophomore Tyler Seguin with 48 points (20G 28A). Starting goaltender Tim Thomas continues to have a fantastic season with a 2.23 GAA and .928 SV%. I would expect Thomas to get the start seeing as he always appears to dominate when facing the Sens. Ottawa will give the nod to rookie Robin Lehner in nets after a solid performance against the Islanders.
Jesse Winchester (consussion), and Peter Regin (shoulder) remain out with injuries for the Sens. Ottawa will also be carrying two healthy scratches, Matt Carkner on defence and Zenon Konopka <Edit: Kaspars Daugavins> at forward. Boston is still missing two offensive weapons in Rich Peverley (knee) and Nathan Horton (concussion). Johny Boychuk will also be out with a concussion after the massive hit he received from Chris Neil the last time these two teams met.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Robin Lehner, G (OTT) – Had a solid game against the Islanders and earned another start. It won’t be easy tonight as he’ll have to weather the storm against the defending Stanley Cup Champions.
Chris Kelly, C (BOS) – Ex-Senators Chris Kelly is having a career season with the Bruins thus far. He has 34 points on the season including 14 goals. Expect another solid performance as he once again squares off against his former team.
THINGS TO LOOK OUT FOR
1. Corvo Mad? – After receiving a high hit from Kyle Turris last game, Joe Corvo called out Turris in the media. He implied that he would fight Turris, whether that’s going to happen remains to be seen.
2. Erik Karlsson For Norris – Karlsson had another multi point game against the Islanders to push his season point total to 65 points. Will he be able to keep up the PPG game pace for the remainder of the season?
3. Welcome Matt Gilroy – Sens fans will get to see Brian Lee’s replacement Matt Gilroy tonight for the first time. The Sens were 12-0-1 in the last 13 games Lee played in. No pressure Matt!
Be sure to check back here on SenShot for a complete recap after the game. GO SENS GO!!!
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Thanks for reading and as always, comments are welcomed.
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