Welcome back to NHL Predictions! Every day, Last Word on Hockey provides insights and analysis to predict the outcome of the games on the NHL schedule. Today, we will examine the matchup between the Boston Bruins and the Ottawa Senators. Be sure to check out all of our NHL Predictions as the 2024-25 season approaches the playoff race.
NHL Predictions
Boston Bruins vs Ottawa Senators
Head-to-Head: Bruins 1-2 Senators
Time: 7 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)
TV: NESN; SN; TSN; ESPN+
This round of NHL predictions will be a good one. The Bruins (30-28-8) head to Ottawa to take on the Senators (34-25-5) Thursday night at the Canadian Tire Centre. Thursday’s matchup will be the fourth and final meeting between these two Atlantic division foes, with Ottawa leading the season series 2-1. All of a sudden, this game has some serious meaning, with both of these teams in the thick of the chaotic Eastern conference wild card race. As of late, these two teams have provided a terrific on ice product. The Bruins are coming off twi huge victories over Tampa Bay and Florida. While the Senators are riding a four game win streak.
Keep Playing With an Edge
The Bruins are running off of pure post trade deadline adrenaline. After their front office made some major changes, the B’s have played like an entirely new team. Led by Nikita Zadorov, Boston has played like a much meaner and tougher squad. Zadorov and the Bruins are coming off of an incredibly emotional comeback victory over the Panthers. The black and gold must carry over that energy and effort to Ottawa as they look to continue what could be a shocking push for the postseason.
After Florida took a 2-0 lead in the third period, the Bruins looked to be dead. However, they showed some heart and battled back after David Pastrnak once again got the offence rolling. To be successful against the Sens, Boston must play with that intensity for a full 60 minutes. 10 Bruins recorded at least two hits against the Panthers as Patrick Brown led the way with six. If they lay the body like that on Thursday, they will find success as the Senators don’t play as tough as the Panthers do. Treating every game like a playoff game from here on out will go along way for the future of this new core, even if they fail to reach the postseason.
Boston’s offensive play was excellent in the final frame against the Cats. Pastrnak led the way, but Pavel Zacha finding the back of the net is massive for his confidence as the forward has struggled to score this season. He will need to continue to generate offence to beat Ottawa. Newcomer, Casey Mittelstadt has two assists in two games as a Bruin, providing some much needed puck skills to the lineup. He will be needed to continue his playmaking abilities. Jeremy Swayman is expected to start against his best friend, Linus Ullmark.
Follow the Leader
The Senators are getting hot at the right time. With just 18 games left on their schedule they currently occupy the top wildcard spot in the East with 73 points. The Sens enter Thursday’s game winning five of their last six games, including a four game win streak. Captain, Brady Tkachuk has the led the way for Ottawa, as he is currently playing some of the best hockey of his career.
After getting a taste of real competitive hockey in the Four Nations Tournament, it’s safe to say Brady is built for the postseason. Tkachuk has seven goals in his last seven games, scoring in six of them. The 25-year-old has emerged as one of the NHL’s best captains, leading his team into battle every night. Tkachuk sets the tone for Ottawa which allows guys like Tim Stützle and Drake Batherson to get their offensive games going. If their leader is on his game, the Sens will always have a chance to come out on top.
The Senators deadline deals have had a very positive effect on the team. Dylan Cozens has a point in all three of his games as a Senator. The 24-year-old has scored in back to back games. On the other hand, Fabian Zetterlund has yet to get going but he will be needed in order to steal two points from a determined Bruins group. Ullmark is expected to face his former partner in crime, Swayman,
Predictions
Two of the most determined teams in the league face off but only one can come away with the victory. The Bruins look to ride the high of a gutsy win over a rival while the Senators have some serious momentum form their last four games. The black and gold look like a team that has something to prove after a heartbreaking trade deadline. Led by Swayman and Pastrnak the Bruins determined effort may be too much for the red hot Senators.
Prediction: Bruins Win 4-2
Prop Bets of the Night
We close out NHL predictions with some prop bets of the night. Pastrnak was a man on a mission against the Panthers, recording a goal and an assist. Expect him to score again if the Bruins are to be victorious. The superstar is a +110 to find the back of the net. Tkachuk is on fire and in a playoff like atmosphere do not expect the Sens leader to slow down. The power forward is a +120 to score. Boston is a +162 underdog on the road.
Main photo by: Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images
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The post NHL Predictions: March 13th Boston Bruins Vs. Ottawa Senators appeared first on Last Word On Hockey.