Senators at Bruins
THE STORY:
The Boston Bruins haven't registered back-to-back wins for 6 1/2 weeks,
but they have an excellent chance to end that string when they host the
Ottawa Senators on Tuesday. Boston won at Ottawa 5-3 on Saturday for
its eighth consecutive victory over the Senators and fourth in four
meetings this season. The Bruins hold a three-point lead over Ottawa
atop the Northeast Division, but they have four games in hand. Monday’s
trade deadline brought new faces to both sides.
TV: 7 p.m. ET, RSNE (Canadiens), NESN (Bruins)
ABOUT THE SENATORS (33-23-8):
Ottawa made a move to bolster its blue line Monday, acquiring Matt
Gilroy from the Tampa Bay Lightning in exchange for defenseman Brian
Lee. An offensive upgrade at the position didn’t appear to be a high
priority, especially given the recent play of red-hot defenseman Erik
Karlsson. Named the NHL’s First Star of the Week on Monday, Karlsson has
six goals and 11 assists during a seven-game points streak. He had two
assists Sunday to give him a franchise-record 65 for a defenseman.
ABOUT THE BRUINS (37-20-3): Boston also looked to upgrade its
blue-line corps at Monday’s trade deadline, acquiring veteran defensemen
Greg Zanon (Minnesota) and Mike Mottau (New York Islanders) in separate
deals. The Bruins also got veteran forward Brian Rolston from the
Islanders in exchange for two minor league prospects. Zanon ranked
second in the league in blocked shots last season. Goaltender Tim Thomas
made 27 saves Saturday to improve to 4-0 against Ottawa this season. He
has won his last six starts and 14 of his last 15 against the Senators.
OVERTIME:
1. Boston defenseman Joe Corvo was angry that
Ottawa’s Kyle Turris avoid NHL disciplinary action for a high hit in
Saturday’s game. “Let’s just say I’ll be looking for him right off the
bat,” Corvo said.
2. Ottawa’s Jason Spezza has eight goals and 12
assists in a nine-game points streak. Boston’s Patrice Bergeron had two
goals and an assist in Saturday’s game.
2. Goaltender Ben
Bishop, acquired from St. Louis on Sunday, was assigned to Binghamton of
the American Hockey League, leaving Alex Auld and Robin Lehner to
handle the netminding duties with Craig Anderson injured.