Game Day: OTT @ BOS

13th East (32-39-10)VS.3rd East (45-24-11)

Your Ottawa Senators  close out the season today as they play a matinee game against the Boston Bruins. With Ottawa winning their last two games, the Sens would like to close out the season on a high note and send the Bruins into the playoffs on a losing note. Today’s game also marks the last game Coach Cory Clouston  will coach under his current contract. Will he be retained is yet to be determined, but most expect this to be Clouston’s last stand.

Look for the game to be loopsided as four out of the five previous match-ups this year ended with one team pitching a shutout. Curtis McElhinney will get the start today as it will be his last chance to impress a team to get a contract next year. In a classy move by the Sens organization, they have called up Cody Bass  for his first NHL game of the year. Bass has been a good solider for the organization and a leader in Binghamton, and its good to see him get a game. With a number of call-ups in the line-up, look for someone to step up and leave a lasting impression on Sens management as Ottawa’s roster next year is wide open and there are jobs available.

Players To Watch

Ottawa – David Hale is playing for a contract next year. In his 24 game call-up this year, Hale has put up five points and is a plus seven on Ottawa’s horrible defence. Playing solid, Hale knows his role and is a good depth defenceman. With a lot of blue chip prospects expected to crack the line-up next year, Hale could be a reliable fill-in until they are NHL ready. Look for a big game from Hale today.

Boston – Nathan Horton will be playing in his first NHL playoff game in a few days. Having been in the league for six years, Horton has yet to play in the post season due to being on horrible Florida teams. With his team a heavy favourite to raise the Cup, Horton will need to find his game and be a dominate force. Being on a better team, Horton has not matched his career high in points. With two games to go before the playoffs start, Horton needs to get on a roll and start the playoffs on a high note.

Keys to an Ottawa Victory

Score a Goal: With four out of the five games this season ending in a shutout, Ottawa has put up a goose egg three times against the B’s. Ottawa needs to score a goal early just to break through and know they can beat Boston’s tender.

Physicality: Boston uses intimation to beat opponents and have them play scared. Ottawa cannot back down and needs to match Boston’s level.

Coaching: This is Clouston’s last stand. He needs this win more than anybody else. Playing for a contract next season, Clouston will try to outsmart Claude Julien.

Check back here at SenShot after the game for a game recap. Enjoy the game and GO SENS GO!!! 

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