Game #48 Preview: Ottawa Senators @ Boston Bruins

I don’t think anyone thought when this game was rescheduled that they were thinking that this game would actually matter this much. The Ottawa Senators will once again decide their own fate and of all teams, they will need to win against a team that they well don’t usually end up were they want to by the end of the night. It’s pretty basic, if they win they will move up the standings and have a better match-up, if they lose they play the team no one wants to play, the Pittsburgh Penguins.

24-17-6, 8th Eastern Conference, L10 5-5-0

@

28-13-6, 4th Eastern Conference, L10 4-4-2

Puck Drop: 7 PM

TV: Rogers Sportsnet East   Radio: Team 1200

HEAD TO HEAD

I could sum up this section with three words: one goal game. It always seems that when these two franchises meet, that every game is close and usually ends up being a one goal game; generally in the Bruins favour. Every game had a different hero for the Bruins. Whether it was Patrice Bergeron, Daniel Paille, Dennis Seidenberg or Nathan Horton they always found a way to win and that’s what good teams do. Just like every other game this year, it will probably be Robin Lehner starting tonight. He has proven that he can handle playing the Bruins as he always plays well, unfortunately he has never found himself on the winning side of things in this series and I’m sure he and the team are hoping the outcome is different tonight.

Apr 2, 2013; Boston, MA, USA; Ottawa Senators left wing

(14) gets tripped up by defenseman

(55) in front of goalie

(35) during the third period at TD Banknorth Garden. The Boston Bruins won 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports

LAST GAMES

The Senators fell to the Philadelphia Flyers in a tight game going down 2-1. Kyle Turris was the lone scorer for the Senators, Steve Mason made 43 saves on route to the victory. The Sens had plenty of chances to score on the man advantage but came away empty seven times. If the Senators had won that game, it would have put them in a much better position and maybe would be able to rest a couple guys but now do not find themselves in a position to do so as they need more than ever, win versus a team they have a really hard time against.

Boston blew the lead to the Washington Capitals and were eventually downed in overtime as Eric Fehr scored in winner. Boston had the 2-0 lead until Mike Green took over the game scoring both goals on the power play in the 3rd period and getting the assist on the Fehr winner.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Robin Lehner, OTT – As mentioned above, he must be getting really sick of seeing his team be on the wrong end of one goal games against the Bruins. Look for Lehner to try and step up his game another level to try and help the Sens move up the standings.

Zdeno Chara, BOS – The Bruins captain seems to get another gear when playing against his former club, which is a little scary considering we know what he is capable of on a nightly basis. The big man is no doubt a game changer.

3 STORYLINES FOR THE GAME

1. Playoff preview? – I’m sure the Sens want nothing to do with playing the Bruins in the playoffs. It’s pretty simple beat them in regulation and they won’t (will face the Habs). Lose in regulation and they get the Pens. Lose in overtime or shootout and they play the  same team they just played, again the in playoffs. None are a scenario they want.
2. One goal game – As mentioned above these franchises have a knack for one goal games and I wouldn’t be surprised if this one was too. As both teams will be desperate for the win as they both will move up with a win.
3. Goaltending dual – Goaltending is usually a huge part of these games and I don’t have a doubt that this will change anytime soon as both franchises process quality goaltenders.

PARTING SHOT

To say this is a huge game, is a grossly large understatement. This game has big implications for both teams. This game will definitely have a playoff feel to it and being the only game on, will garner a lot of attention. The Ottawa Senators are on the stage and it is up to them to perform and leave the city with the two points and enter the playoffs with some positive vibes!

Enjoy the game!