The Ottawa Senators host the Boston Bruins at Canadian Tire Centre on Wednesday night to kickoff their first round series in the NHL playoffs. Despite losing the last two games of the regular season, the Bruins secured their playoff spot by winning six straight games prior to that. The Senators got over a massive losing streak at the end of March to win three of their last four games. Ottawa has won six straight meetings against Boston dating back to January 9th, 2016. Puck drop is set for 7:00 PM Eastern time and the game can be seen on NHL Network.
It will be one of two games that will start the 2017 NHL Playoffs.
Bruins (3rd Atlantic, 44-31-7 overall, 21-14-6 away, 39-43 ATS)
Boston lost their last two games of the season to Washington, 3-1, and this Ottawa squad they'll be facing in the series, 2-1 in a shootout. Colin Miller tied things up at 1-1 late in the second period against the Capitals, but the President's Trophy winners were able to tack on two more goals before the period expired and eventually coasted to a win. Washington had the advantage in Shots On Goal 32-22 and overcame a 30-22 deficit in faceoff wins. Both teams weren't able to score on their power play opportunities. Bruins goalie Anton Khudobin falls to 7-6-1 on the season.
Khudobin is listed as probable for game one. He's been dealing with an illness but should be okay to play in the contest. Center Dominic Moore (25 pts) is also listed as probable with an undisclosed injury.
Senators (2nd Atlantic (44-28-10 overall, 22-11-8 home, 46-36 ATS)
Ottawa stumbled in their regular season finale to the New York Islanders.
They were down 3-0 until Bobby Ryan scored a goal at the 18:54 mark in the second period. A comeback was brewing after Jean-Gabriel Pageau was able to cut the lead to 3-2 with over 17 minutes left in the contest, but they were never able to get the equalizer and the Islanders finished the game off with an empty net goal. The Senators lost despite owning a 34-21 advantage on shots on goal -- including a 14-7 advantage in the first period.
Center Zack Smith (32 pts) is expected to play on Wednesday night despite dealing with an upper body injury. Defender Marc Methodt (12 pts) suffered a severe cut on a left finger and his status is currently unknown.
Betting on Bruins and Senators
Boston is a -135 favorite on the moneyline with Ottawa listed at +115. The goal total is set at 5. The Bruins are 0-5 in their last 5 meetings at Ottawa.
