Craig Anderson Gets The Nod, Senators Seek Crucial Two Points

The Ottawa Senators head into tomorrow’s game with a lot on the line. You could call it the most important game of the year, as Ottawa faces the team they chase for the final wild card spot in the Eastern Conference.

At this point, the rest of the East seems set, and with 3-point game making miracle runs harder than ever, the Senators will need every point they can get, and some help from the B’s opponents if the playoffs are in their future.

(30-23-11, 71 pts) 

VS.

(33-22-10, 76 pts)

7:00 PM

Canadian Tire Centre

Radio: TSN 1200 TV: TSN 5

MATCH-UP HISTORY

The Senators have the upper-hand heading into this one. The season series currently goes Ottawa’s way 2-1, where Bobby Ryan accounted for two game winning goals early on at TD Garden.

The Bruins lone win comes in November, as then Bruin, Matt Fraser scored two on route to a 4-2 win. Fraser, now with the Oilers has moved on and has become yet another disappointing piece in the Bruins’ Tyler Seguin deal.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

BOBBY RYAN, OTT – 49 points in 60 games for Bobby Ryan on the season. You can talk about how great others have been, like Mark Stone, Mika Zibanejad, or Mike Hoffman.. but the fact remains that Bobby is Ottawa’s strongest offensive threat up front. He continues to score at a PPG pace of 0.82, look for Bobby to shine again if Ottawa takes the two points over Boston.

BRAD MARCHAND, BOS – He tied the game late vs Philadelphia, won it in OT and netted another versus Detroit on Sunday. Enough said. Watch out for Marchand as he’s been hot.

 KEYS TO THE GAME

1. Put it past you –  The Senators had a less-than-stellar 3rd period performance vs Calgary on Sunday night. If Ottawa is to rebound, it’ll be important to come out hot and keep pace throughout all 60 minutes. 

2. Special Teams – Boston netted two shorthanded goals vs Detroit, and if Ottawa is to gain a crucial two points, special teams will be key. Ottawa has a worse than average powerplay, which seems to peak and dip, while Boston has been an average team on both sides of the penalty this season.

Hope for Ottawa to take advantage of Boston in non even strength play.

3. Goaltending – See: Key #1. Craig Anderson gets the nod in this one. He has the ability to control a game and as he continues to receive praise for what he is to be appreciated for, watch out for Andy as he continues a great season.