The stage is set as the Boston Bruins will face off against the Ottawa Senators in the first round of the NHL Playoffs.
This will be Boston’s first playoff series since their second round loss to the Montreal Canadiens in 2014.
The Bruins come into the series having lost back to back games, one of which was to the Senators. Recent history does not favor the Bruins as their record against the Senators 0-3-1 in the regular season.
Health doesn’t favor the Bruins either as they will likely be without two starting defenseman to open the series. General manager Don Sweeney announced yesterday that Torrey Krug is doubtful for game one and Brandon Carlo has already been ruled out.
To help the undermanned defense, the Bruins called up top prospect Charlie McAvoy to help weather the storm.
Despite the injuries to the defense the Bruins will get Brad Marchand back from suspension which will be critical to generating offense in the middle of the rink.
Boston’s key to winning the series is going to be winning the battles between the blue lines.
The Senators have done a fantastic job all season of clogging up the neutral zone and preventing opposing offenses from setting up near center ice. Needless to say, the Bruins will have their work cut out for them.
Game one of the best of seven series will be played at Tire Centre Arena in Ottawa, April. 12, at 7:00 p.m.
