Puck Drop: The Bruins host Atlantic Division rivals Ottawa Senators tonight at TD Garden. Both teams look to fine-tune their respective systems and build early-season chemistry in what promises to be a physical, fast-paced battle on the ice.
Here are three keys to tonight’s game.
3 Keys to the Game
1. Score first: Establishing an early lead will allow the Bruins to dictate the tempo, control line matchups, and force Ottawa to play from behind in a hostile building. The Sens are skilled. The Bruins don’t want to get into a shootout. Score first and set the pace.
2. Play better in the neutral zone: Managing the middle of the ice cleanly by minimizing turnovers and forcing dump-ins will be crucial to stifling Ottawa’s quick-strike transition attack. The Bruins did not do that on Saturday night. They need to tonight.
3. Get fourth line production: Generating sustained zone time and timely secondary scoring from the bottom six will provide the depth needed to wear down Ottawa’s defense over 60 minutes. The Bruins need more from their fourth line.
Final Thoughts: With divisional points and early momentum on the line, execution in the small details will decide tonight’s contest. If Boston can set a physical tone early and execute in transition, they’ll be in strong position to secure a victory on home ice.
