Divisional rivalries do not get much more crucial than this. The Bruins are resurgent since firing long-time coach Claude Julien. Here’s what the Ottawa Senators need to do.
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The Sens and Bruins have only faced each other once this season thus far. Ottawa coming out on top, in a 3-1 win. Both teams have gone through a lot since that game on the 24th November. The Bruins replacing the man behind the bench, the Sens replacing the men on the bench.
We’ve recently talked about the Sens average on the surface record against members of the Atlantic. However, when you go below the surface, you’ll see that they have dominated their playoff rivals. 3-1-0 against Toronto, 2-2-0 against Montreal and 1-0-0 against Boston.
Boston Are Back (in the hunt)
Since sacking Claude Julien, the Bruins have been unstoppable, toasting teams along the way. A nailed on playoff team if they continue in this vain. Toronto have more than gifted Boston the third spot in the division by losing five on the trot.
Boston Defence Turned Into Offense
Bruce Cassidy has been excellent as interim head coach. They’ve turned into the more Boston style of play. Aggressive. This team now revolves around offensive defensemen, notching nine goals alongside 25 points in this spell.
Torey Krug has been outstanding since the change. Five points in his last five, keeping the offense ticking over.
Senators’ Gameplan
There’s been a lot of talk about how attacking the Bruins have been and it has worked thus far. However, if the Bruins continue with that gameplan tonight, they could find themselves in trouble. The Sens thrive when their opposition focuses too much on attacking. Sitting back and taking the chances when they are presented to them.
The new additions have shown that they can adhere to the system. Adding some more quality to an already resilient squad.
Next: A Look Back At The Sens Humble Beginnings
Final Thoughts
It’s never the right time to face an inform divisional rival, Ottawa have the tools to stop the Bruins. If the two sides executes their current game plans, I expect the Sens to sneak the game 2-1 or 3-2, it’s what they do best.