Game #21 Preview: Ottawa Senators @ Boston Bruins

The Ottawa Senators will soon enter the TD Garden to pay a visit to a team that they haven’t exactly had success against. The Boston Bruins have the highest win percentage in the North East and will be a tough draw for the Sens.

12-6-2. 5th Eastern Conference, L10 6-3-1

Vs.

12-2-2, 4th Eastern Conference, L10 7-2-1

HEAD TO HEAD

The Sens have shown in history that they do usually have success against this Bruins hockey team.  They have yet to meet this year, tomorrow night will mark their first matchup since the Senators 2nd last game last year on April 5th.  The Sens dropped every single game to their division rivals last year but one.  That one win came from a 1-0 shutout posted by the recently called up Robin Lehner, the lone goal was scored by Erik Karlsson. This will be a real test for the Senators injury riddled lineup, we will see just how good this team plays together and they will have to tonight to even have moderate success.

Apr 5, 2012; Ottawa, ON, CAN; Boston Bruins left wing

(63) shoots on Ottawa Senators goalie

(30) in the first period at Scotiabank Place. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports

LAST GAMES

After being heavily outplayed on Monday night the Ottawa Senators stole 2 points at home thanks to their goaltender Ben Bishop.  As for the Boston Bruins they outplayed the New York Islanders almost all night, to cruise to a 4-1 victory and walking away from Nassau Coliseum with the full 2 points.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Peter Regin, OTT – After coming back from injury I thought Regin had a strong game, hiting a post in the last seconds of the game and also scoring in the shootout. He has to prove himself in order to earn more minutes and this will be his chance considering the Senators have so many injuries. Look for him to step up his game.

Zdeno Chara, BOS – As we all know Chara has the ability to control a game, he is that good. He can be a physical force out there but yet also contribute on the score sheet  As we have also seen before has a tremendous shot from the point.

TOP 3 STORYLINES FOR TONIGHT’S GAME

1. Who will start? – The last time Robin Lehner played these Bruins he shut them out, but then again Ben Bishop has been great of late. I say Paul MacLean is leaning towards Bishop tonight.
2. Will the trend continue? – Historically the Sens do not have success with this team but will the recent winning streak and a little confidence help the Senators case? we will see tonight!
3. Where’s Thomas? – Just like the Sens history with Boston, the same can be said about the success Tim Thomas has had versus Ottawa. He has dominated the Sens for the most part in his career, but the Sens will have to deal with Tuukka Rask now as Thomas is no longer in this picture.

WORTH NOTING

Senators’ Milan Michalek and Mark Stone have both been practicing with the Senators full team and we might see either one play near the end of this road trip. More likely of the two is obviously Michalek as he is a veteran but the coach might give Stone a shot also. If Stone isnt given a shot he will be returned to Binghamton and play top minutes down there.

PARTING SHOT

As mentioned above this will be a real hard test for these Ottawa Senators as the Buins are a really tough draw and have had the lightest schedule in the entire NHL. And a Bruins team that is more rested than any other team is not good news for any opponent. Since the injury to Craig Anderson, what we’ve all learned is that the Sens probably have 3 legitimate starting goalies, which is always a great problem to have. Look for the Sens to move one of them in the off season and not during the season as they will probably garner more interest and get more in return.  The crease is crowded in the capital for a change and the fans are loving every minute of it!