If it’s possible to exceed expectations through just two games, it’s safe to say the Ottawa Senators have done just that.
Three of four points collected including a big road win over the Toronto Maple Leafs. And while they have ended up on the wrong end of the shot clock in both those games, there’s actually been lots to like about the way the Senators have started the season.
They are creating plenty of chances, playing an up-tempo style with an aggressive forecheck and for the most part, preventing second and third opportunities and big ol’ defensive breakdowns. The sample size could not be much smaller but it’s a great start to the year.
They’ll look to keep that rolling against another Atlantic Division rival in the Boston Bruins.
Heading into the season, the Bruins look like one of the teams that can seriously contend for a top three spot in the Division. Up front, they have a solid mix of veteran forwards like Patrice Bergeron, Brad Marchand and David Pastrnak along with some younger guys like Ryan Donato and Jake DeBrusk that are ready to take on a bigger role.
After getting embarrassed in their season opener to the tune of 7-0, they bounced back with a 4-0 win over the Sabres on Thursday night. They’ve also had a few days off to prepare for their home opener this afternoon.
Based on the line combinations at yesterday’s practice at Boston University, it certainly looks like Brady Tkachuk could be set to make his NHL debut.
He was skating on the top line with Matt Duchene and Ryan Dzingel and when speaking to reporters after the skate, certainly hinted that he could be ready to go. While Tkachuk was probably disappointed to miss those first two games, including a home opener and his first look at the Battle of Ontario, Boston is a fitting place for him to play his first.
Ryan Dzingel did leave practice a couple times yesterday so his status remains up in the air. No changes on the blueline. Here’s how the Senators are expected to line up for this one.
Tkachuk-Duchene-Dzingel
Boedker-Smith-Stone
Formenton-Tierney-Ryan
Paajarvi-Pyatt-White
Chabot-DeMelo
Lajoie-Ceci
Borowiecki-Wideman
Mike Condon makes his first start of the season.
Puck drop is scheduled for just after 1:00 PM. The game is available on TSN5 and rumour has it, some guy named Fred will be streaming the game LIVE from his home to screens all across North America. Neat!
| HEAD2HEAD |  |
 |
|---|---|---|
| Record | 1-0-1 (3 pts) | 1-1-0 (2 pts) |
| Goals For | 4.00 (T-8th) | 2.00 (T-22nd) |
| Goals Against | 3.50 (T-18th) | 3.50 (T-18th) |
| Power Play | 20.0% (T-15th) | 33.3% (T-7th) |
| Penalty Kill | 80% (T-16th) | 50% (T-30th) |
| Shots For | 24.5 (T-26th) | 25.5 (T-24th) |
| Shots Against | 40.0 (29th) | 34.5 (T-22nd) |
| Leading Scorers | Chabot- 4 pts Smith- 3 pts Tierney- 2 pts |
Marchand- 4 pts Bergeron- 3 pts Chara- 1 pt |
| Starting Goalie | Mike Condon | Tuukka Rask (TBC) |
