Boston Brawlin’

In what should be a preview of the new Sens lineup for this season, The Sens host the reigning Northeast Division Champions—the Boston Bruins. The last pre-season game means a) the season is close to starting and b) the season is close to starting. The lineup tonight includes everyone who is expected to be a regular except Filip Kuba and Jarkko Ruutu. Also sitting out are uncertanties in Alexandre Picard, Shean Donovan, and Zack Smith. Schubert is getting a shot on the fourth line with Kelly and Neil, while Brian Lee and Matt Carkner should be motivated tonight to make the team. I’ve been told tomorrow will see a round of cuts. Though, here’s the lineup…

Michalek – Spezza – Alfredsson
Kovalev – Regin – Fisher
Foligno – Shannon – Cheechoo
Schubert – Kelly – Neil

Phillips – Volchenkov
Campoli – Carkner
Lee – Karlsson

In previous games Regin and Fisher played with Foligno but it looks like Clouston’s trying to bump them up with Kovy and make a second line out of that while The Cheech plays with Nick Foligno and Ryan Shannon. Murray’s looking into Schubert’s night closely, as this is likely the last chance for the swingman to impress management. Defense looks solid even though Campoli and Karlsson seem like the only defenseman who can score tonight, so it may be a tight game from the defensive side. Leclaire starts tonight and is expected to play the whole 60 minutes while Elliott backs him up.

Boston’s lineup is a combo of rookies and regulars, including Zdeno Chara, former Sen. So those watching the game on TSN2, get your John Muckler voo-doo dolls ready. Overall, I see two very good lineups tonight with Ottawa gaining the edge on offense, Boston on defense and Leclaire and Thomas providing the stops for both team. However, I have a feeling the Sens will be motivated tonight, that’s why I’m saying…

Ottawa 4 (Lee, Kelly, Michalek, Regin) Boston 3 (Hamill, Lucic, Boychuk)

Have a good one folks tonight, and GO SENS GO!