Boston Bruins travel to play against Ottawa Senators – NHL Preview
The defending Stanley Cup champions, Boston Bruins, received criticism from some corners in the present National Hockey League (NHL) season for their inconsistent performance, but the team has still qualified for the playoffs and that, too, by topping the
Northeast Division.
The Ottawa Senators, who are ranked second in the division, have also qualified for the playoffs and are looking to mark a strong impression in the playoffs.
Bruins and Senators are going to face each other on Thursday April 05, 2012, at Scotiabank Place, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
Let’s have a look at both teams.
Bruins
They are currently ranked at second spot in the Eastern Conference with 98 points after 80 games and have one more game to play in the regular season after today’s encounter.
Out of their last seven games, Bruins have won five. In their last game, they were defeated by the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Bruins were unable to defend well against the aggressive Penguins and they eventually paid the price. In the first period, Penguins scored two goals while Bruins could only get one.
In the second period Bruins scored a goal to level the score, but Penguins managed to once again score twice to get the lead. Both teams scored a goal each in the final period as Penguins won the game, 5-3.
Bruins’ forward, Tyler Seguin, said after the game:
"We have to show character in not quitting until the last minute. Even though we were down two goals, we were down 2-0 and came back and made it 2-2."
Their coach, Claude Julien, added:
“I thought we played a pretty decent game, and we had lots of chances, certainly didn't bury enough, but I'm not disappointed in our game."
Senators
They are ranked at seventh spot in the Eastern Conference with 92 points after 80 games.
In their last game, Senators got their impressive four-game winning streak snapped as they were defeated by the Carolina Hurricanes, who are already eliminated from the playoff contention.
Senators struggled to score throughout the game and their only scoring move came in the final period before which the Hurricanes had already scored two goals. The final score settled at 2-1.
Senators’ coach, Paul MacLean, said after the game:
"Most of the games when you're playing from behind the results are not going to be what you like. They were obviously more competitive than we were and I think we got what we deserved."
Predictions
Bruins have a slight edge.
The sum of goals scored by both teams might be six or more.
If Senators win, the winning margin will be less than two goals.
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