Game #42 Preview – Ottawa Senators @ Boston Bruins
The Senators finish off a season long 7 game road trip on Monday night, and will try to accomplish a number of important things with a win.
21-14-6, 6th Eastern Conference
VS
26-11-4, 4th Eastern Conferene
7:00 PM
TV: Rogers Sportsnet; RADIO: TEAM1200
HEAD TO HEAD
This is the last meeting of the season between the clubs, a series that has been close but has ended with the Senators on the short end every time. Boston scored a 2-1 overtime win, a 3-2 shootout win, and 2-1 and 3-2 regulation wins.
Apr 2, 2013; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Bruins center David Krejci (46) hugs right wing Nathan Horton (18) while Ottawa Senators goalie Robin Lehner (40) sits on the ice after a goal during the third period at TD Banknorth Garden. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports
LAST GAMES
Ottawa won their second straight game with a 2-0 shutout over the Devils on Friday night, with Craig Anderson making 33 saves for the win. The Bruins come in off a subpar 3-1 loss to the Hurricanes in Carolina.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Milan Michalek, OTT -Made his return to the lineup and had an immediate impact, scoring a goal in his first game back against New Jersey. Michalek showed no signs of the knee injury that had him shelved, as he showed good speed and drive to the net. The Senators will be counting on him down the stretch and into the playoffs.
Jaromir Jagr, BOS – Acquired at the trade deadline, Jagr has been solid in Boston, with a goal and 6 assists in 6 games. Jagr recently topped 1,000 career assists and is the active career leader in goals, assists, and obviously points. With injuries to Patrice Bergeron and other forwards being banged up, Jagr’s experience and leadership comes along at the right time.
TOP 3 STORYLINES FOR THE GAME
1. Anderson’s Back – After two subpar (for him) starts in Florida and Tampa, Craig Anderson was stellar in New Jersey on Friday. He hasn’t had the best numbers against the Bruins, posting a 3-8 record in 11 games with a .899 SP and 3.46 GAA. He hasn’t been in net for any of the games with Boston this season.
2. Beating the Bully – As good as Ottawa has been this season, they have not been able to best the Bruins. This is a potential first round matchup and Ottawa wants to show they can beat their nemesis.
3. Road Weary – This is the final game on the road trip, and the Senators want to finish it a respectable 3-4 instead of 2-5.
PARTING SHOT
Ottawa plays 5 of their last 6 games at home, with the lone road game being a visit to Boston. With the success they have had at home, the fifth seed is still in play, and the 6th seed should be a lock. The team didn’t play as poorly in the first part of the trip as people would have you believe. The team has stayed the course and home cooking should bring back more ultimate success. And with a little luck, the return of a couple more bodies to the lineup.