Game 35: Senators-Bruins Preview

Bruins: 22-8-4 Senators: 19-10-6

The Boston Bruins will kick of the final month of the regular season against the Ottawa Senators Tuesday night at TD Garden. This will be the fourth time since February 28 these two sides will have linked up. The B’s are 3-0 versus the Sens this season. Record aside, each meeting was decided by 1 goal and two of the games required overtime.

Ottawa is coming off of a demoralizing 4-0 loss to Toronto. The Sens have been hot of late, winning 6 of 8 games, ascending the Northeast Division standings. Their 44 points has them positioned just 4 points behind the Bruins. The success Ottawa has had is truly remarkable, considering they have been devastated by injury for the majority of the season.

Boston on the other hand will be looking to build upon a 2-0 victory over the Buffalo Sabres. Unlike Ottawa, the B’s have had trouble stringing wins together in recent weeks. In fact, you would have to look all the way back to March 14-16, the last time the Bruins won two straight. As a result, the B’s have watched their cushioned divisional lead on Ottawa disappear.

A victory Tuesday night would be a gigantic step toward snapping a prolonged streak of inconsistency. Winning would also give Boston a 6 point lead on Ottawa in the standings and help them keep pace with the division leading Canadiens.

Expect another low scoring affair between these two. Both clubs are among the league leaders in fewest goals allowed per game. Former Senator Kaspar Daugavins is expected to make his Bruins debut in this one. Daugavins is a shifty two-way forward that should give Boston a boost. The B’s will be more than motivated to get their second straight win and silence some of the doubters heading into the Wednesday trading deadline.