The Boston Bruins and Ottawa Senators are set to clash tonight in an Atlantic Division matchup, with puck drop scheduled for 7:30 p.m. EDT at Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa, ON. Fans can catch the game live on ESPN+.
As the game approaches, the Senators are favored by -1.5 on the puck line, while the over/under is set at 6 goals. The Senators hold a -180 moneyline advantage, compared to the Bruins who are listed at +150 to secure an upset victory.
The Bruins are navigating a rocky start to the season, currently sitting at 4-6-0 and facing the possibility of missing the playoffs this year, a drop from their usual status as Eastern Conference contenders. David Pastrnak continues to shine as the team’s top scorer, aiming to reach the 40-goal mark for the fifth consecutive season. Surprisingly, Morgan Geekie is currently leading the team in goals with four in the last three games, showcasing his potential.
Boston has encountered challenges so far under coach Marco Sturm. The team’s 5-on-5 play ranks among the worst in the league, with a 45.42 xGF% and 3.07 xGA/60, compounded by the absence of defender Hampus Lindholm. Moreover, the Bruins’ power play struggles, scoring at a rate below 20%, although their penalty kill shows promise with a solid 87.2% success rate. Goalie Jeremy Swayman is doing his best to hold the line, with a .910 save percentage and 5.0 goals saved above average.
On the other side, the Senators, starting the season with a rough patch, are bouncing back after a string of strong performances, including a commanding 7-1 victory over the Capitals. Players like Drake Batherson and Dylan Cozens have hit their stride, with Batherson contributing two goals in that game. Shane Pinto has emerged as a key player, netting eight goals in just nine games, raising hopes for Ottawa’s offensive firepower.
Despite the Senators’ better-than-expected performances lately, they face uncertainty in goal, as Leevi Meriläinen will be starting after a challenging debut earlier this season in which he allowed seven goals against the Sabres.
With both teams looking to strengthen their standings, this game promises to be highly competitive. Analysts suggest that while the Senators have put together a commendable run, the Bruins may hold value as underdogs in this matchup. As the teams prepare to face off, both fan bases are optimistic about their prospects.
With the momentum shifting for Ottawa, the goal-scoring abilities of key players will be critical. Expect an electrifying game as each team searches for crucial points early in the season.