Game Preview: Ottawa Senators vs. Boston Bruins

Saturday February 25th, 2012

7:00 pm

CBC, Team 1200

7th East (32-22-8)VS.2nd East (36-20-3)

The Ottawa Senators once again take on the division leading Boston Bruins, going 0-3-0 against them so far this season. Sens look to push their point streak to seven but it will be a difficult game against the reigning Stanley Cup champions. Their task will be even more difficult tonight as they are without starting goalie Craig Anderson due to a cooking mishap. Alex Auld, who hasn’t seen much action this season will get the start. Robin Lehner, who was called up from Binghamton, will serve as back-up.

The Senators recently went through a rough patch but have been improving more and more lately and have gone 4-0-2 during their current six game point streak. The most recent win was an exciting 5-2 victory over the Ovechkin-less Washington Capitals. That was the third game in a row where the Senators scored at least 5 goals. The Senators offence has been incredible for this team and they will need that tonight as they face Tim Thomas and a strong Bruins defense.

Boston has had a great follow-up year after winning the cup in June and currently sit atop the Northeast division. They haven’t been there best lately though and have yet and have gone 2-3-1 in their last 6. Their last game was just last night, a 2-1 overtime loss to the Buffalo Sabres. Their next two games are both against the Senators a team they have dominated so far this year but hopefully that changes tonight.

Other than the goalie change, the only other roster adjustment for the sens will be Matt Carkner coming in for Brian Lee as the Sens expect a more physical game.

Players To Wacth:

Ottawa – Erik Karlsson: Carrying a  5 game point streak into tonight’s game, Karlsson has been absolutely on fire lately. He has created a 20 points gap between him and second place in the defensive scoring race and he’s already begun breaking franchise records. With 7 points in his last two games don’t be surprised if he breaks even more.

**Alex Auld is also someone to keep an eye on. He hasn’t seen the ice much this year and when he has it hasn’t been overly impressive but he was solid his last game against Nashville that put an end to the Sens 7 game win-less streak. It will be interesting to see how he steps up in Anderson’s absence.

Boston –  Patrice Bergeron: Leads the Bruins in points and assists this season. Was pointless last time these two teams met but has 30 points in 40 career games versus the Senators. Has been quiet lately but has been playing better and looking to get his scoring touch back.

Overall it will be a tough match but if the Senators play their game they can beat Boston. Check back here after the game for SenShot’s full game recap. Enjoy the game and GO SENS GO!