Pre-game notes: Bruins vs. Senators 2/25/12

Luckily for the Bruins, this is their last game in this six-game away stretch. Honestly, the Bruins have been average in this away stretch, going 2-2-1 at around .500. There have been a few key moves that have really helped spark the Bruins play better hockey, like the Czech angel, Krejci, moving to right wing, but with some key players out (Horton and Peverley), the Bruins really need to do something different if they are going to start winning games consecutively.

Fun Fact: Gregory Campbell is playing in his 500th NHL game tonight tonight. So I am sure the Merlot line will be extra feisty for Soupy.

Players to Watch: 

Zdeno Chara – Earned the Bruins a point when he put the puck in goal in the third period and sent the game against the Sabres into overtime. If Chara can keep the momentum going, the B’s will follow.

Alex Auld – Senators’ starting goaltender, Anderson, is out with a right-hand injury he earned while cooking at home (no joke). So look for Auld to step up and play well for the Sens between the pipes.

Eric Karlsson – This guy is on a five-game point streak. In those five games, the Senators have won 4 in regulation time. Scary? Yeah.

Projected Lines: 

Lucic – Kelly – Krejci
Marchand – Bergeron – Seguin
Pouliot – Camper – Caron
Paille – Campbell – Thornton

Chara – Boychuk
Seidenberg – Corvo
Ference – McQuaid

Tim Thomas
Tuukka Rask

Last Thoughts:

The Bruins need the win tonight if they are going to stay where they are in the division standings and conference standings. I can not stress how important this game is for the Bruins. If the red-hot Senators pull off a win in Ottawa, the Bruins will be in trouble. The B’s could slip from the number two spot in the Eastern Conference to fifth or sixth place. Take a deep breath fans, and believe in Boston.