Game #26 Preview: Boston Bruins @ Ottawa Senators

The Ottawa Senators will look to begin a winning streak after ending a losing streak against the New York Rangers. They will face a tough opponent to do so.

4th Eastern Conference, 16-3-3, L10 8-1-1

@

6th Eastern Conference, 13-8-4, L10 6-2-2

Puck Drop: 7:30 PM

TV: Rogers Sportsnet   Radio: Team 1200

HEAD TO HEAD

Robin Lehner made his first start of the season, in the first match-up between the Ottawa Senators and Boston Bruins. It was a very close game, as both goaltenders seen lots of action, especially Lehner who seen 46 shots. There was no score after the first period, it was Nathan Horton who opened the scoring in the 2nd period for the Bruins. The Senators answered back to tie the game about ten minutes later, it was Jim O’brien, scoring his 5th of the year with the power play goal. Both teams were held scoreless in the 3rd, but late in overtime it was Patrice Bergeron who scored on a fluky goal. The final was 2-1 in favor of Boston in overtime.

Feb 28, 2013; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Bruins center

(63) and center Patrice Bergeron (37) celebrate the game winning goal during the overtime period against the Ottawa Senators at TD Banknorth Garden. The Boston Bruins won 2-1 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports

LAST GAMES

Both the Senators and Bruins last played on Saturday. The Bruins were hosting the Philadelphia Flyers. The Bruins ended up winning 3-0, scoring all 3 goals in the opening period, Tuukka Rask was perfect stopping 23 shots with a shutout. The Ottawa Senators played a tight game at Madison Square Garden and kept up their good record at MSG winning the game 3-2, Jakob Silfverberg was the hero in this one. It was Robin Lehner besting his idol Henrik Lundqvist that night.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Zack Smith, OTT – Smith has been putting up some points in the past two games, since his ice time has been elevated he has been producing. He will be looking to add to those totals tonight, as it looks like he will be staying on that top line.

Tuukka Rask, BOS – It seems as though Rask is once again putting together a solid season. He always seems to play well, when it matters and with him now being the clear cut number one, he is stepping up and should be considered as one of the elite goaltenders in the league.

TOP 3 STORYLINES FOR TONIGHT’S GAME

1. The trend – As everyone knows the Sens don’t exactly have the best history against the Bruins, but they will need to step up and beat the best to be the best.
2. Pick your poison – By poison I mean good poison if there is such a thing, seems like it doesn’t matter which goaltender the coach chooses, they always seem to step up.
3. Michalek – This would be a good time for Milan Michalek to finally step up, we will need his help to win versus a great team, like the Bruins.

PARTING SHOT

The Sens will be in tough tonight and will need everyone to step up and play as a team. It has been remarkable that Ottawa has been able to remain in the race, but it will be tough against a line-up like the Bruins have. All lines will need to click in order for the Sens to pick up a win. The Sens will face a test in the coming week playing teams out of their division and those points will be crucial. Not only do they face the Bruins tonight, they also will face the Montreal Canadiens two nights later in Montreal.

These were the lines at practice yesterday:

Michalek – Smith – Alfredsson
Greening – Turris – Silfverberg
Stone – Zibanejad – Neil
O’Brien – Regin – Condra

Gonchar – Methot
Phillips – Gryba
Benoit – Wiercioch

Enjoy the game!