The Boston Bruins will play their first-ever visit to the Atlantic Division foe Ottawa Senators on Thursday night.
The team will embark on a two-game road trip before the All-Star break, one night after their nine-game point run was broken.
Luckily, the Bruins don’t have much time to reflect on their Wednesday 3-2 home setback to the Carolina Hurricanes.
The Bruins’ two goals in the third period were insufficient due to Brad Marchand. With 2:27 left in regulation, Jordan Martinook’s breakaway gave Boston its first loss in regulation since January 4. This ended Boston’s five-game winning streak and 6-0-3 run.
Charlie Coyle, a forward for the Bruins, said, “We’ve (responded to challenges) all year.” Sometimes it takes going through things to get better, but you have to put in the work. We need to play with intensity and be alert. We have made the necessary corrections and improved as a result.”
Although Boston’s comeback from a 2-0 deficit was impressive, its puck drop effort and handling of the tight game scenario were not.
“We’ve tied it 2-2, and you have to acknowledge that. Coach Jim Montgomery of the Boston Bruins stated, “We don’t need to push anything.” “Points have value. A valuable lesson heading into the postseason. We had the momentum, and the audience was enthusiastic. You cannot give up a breakaway and lose position.”
Montgomery started Trent Frederic, Marchand, and Coyle in a line because he believed his team needed an offensive spark late in the game against the Hurricanes.
Marchand has points in three straight games and five of his last seven overall thanks to Frederic’s assists on both of his goals.
With 395 goals, Marchand currently shares fifth place on the Bruins’ all-time goal scoring record with Ray Bourque.
Boston is 4-3-1 in the opening game of back-to-back sets this season, not counting Wednesday’s loss. In the second game, the Bruins are up 3-2-2.
Jeremy Swayman, who is 4-0-3 in his last seven appearances, is probably going to start in the Bruins’ goal against Ottawa after Linus Ullmark made 30 saves on Wednesday.
With a day off, the Senators will be looking for their third straight victory. They defeated the Montreal Canadiens 4-1 on the road on Tuesday.
Ottawa has been 4-1-1 in its last six games and has scored four goals or more five times and allowed two goals or less three times.
Shane Pinto, the forward for the Senators, stated, “We’re playing better defensively.” We’re just playing it easy, taking our chances, and not giving up too much. Instead of breaking, we’re bending.”
After D.J. Smith was fired on December 18, interim coach Jacques Martin took control, and he is pleased with the recent performance of his club. In the first game of the series versus Boston, he hopes that more of the same.
