GAME DAY: Boston @ Ottawa, 7:30PM, Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Season Series: It's the Bruins' first visit to Scotiabank Place this season and the second meeting between the teams. Boston began its 10-game winning streak on Nov. 1 by beating the Senators 5-3 at TD Garden; the Bruins have won the last five meetings.

Big Story: The last time these teams got together, the Bruins were trying to shake off their Stanley Cup hangover after a 3-7-0 start, while the Senators had enjoyed a better-than-expected October. Six weeks later, Boston is on top of the Northeast Division and second in the Eastern Conference, while the Senators have dropped out of top eight in the East despite Tuesday's 3-2 win at Buffalo.

Senators: Ottawa had 44 shots against Buffalo's Ryan Miller on Tuesday, but it took a goal by rookie defenseman Jared Cowen to give the Senators the win. Cowan was in an unlikely place -- in front of the net -- when he banged home a pass by Erik Karlsson. "I was going down there, thinking it was a gamble," said Cowen, Ottawa's top pick (No. 9) in the 2009 NHL Draft. "I wasn't sure I should be there, but obviously it worked out."

Bruins: Boston is expected to start Tim Thomas against the Senators, though coach Claude Julien might be tempted to stay with backup Tuukka Rask after Rask's flawless performance against Los Angeles on Tuesday. Rask stopped all 41 shots he faced as Boston blanked the Kings 3-0. "It's something every team wishes they had, that luxury with two guys. And we have that," Julien said. "Whenever called upon, Tuukka made big saves."

Injury Report: Boston captain Zdeno Chara missed Tuesday's game after going down with a leg injury on Saturday, but he will make the trip to Ottawa. Forward Gregory Campbell (foot) also missed Tuesday's game, but forward Daniel Paille (concussion) returned. … Michalek left Tuesday's game early in the second period after a collision with Karlsson. He attempted to break a fall with his right arm and instead landed on his shoulder; coach Paul MacLean said he would be evaluated after the team returned home. Defenseman Filip Kuba (upper body) is on IR, and Sergei Gonchar has missed the last two games and is day-to-day.

- via NHL.com

With no 9MM, Kuba, and Gonch, this could be ugly. At least we don't have to face Big Z. Tim Thomas kills us though. And on the 2nd game of a back-to-back.

You never know, though!

I'm not really expecting a win in this game, but walking away with points would be amazing with all the key injuries we have. The consolation is that Chara is hurt, and the fact that they have a very average defence behind him.

No rest for the boys.... will be a tough one tonight. Hopefully Michalek is ok.

GO SENS GO!!!

The most boring game in history might be a good thing tonight. They have to keep things very, very simple if they want to beat Boston.

Anderson has his new heritage mask set to go for tonight, so it seems like he already knows that he is starting.

From his Twitter account: Great W. #Cowen with the #GWG! We got momentum going in the 3rd and were rewarded. Gotta get home, Bruins tomorrow w/ the new lid! #sens20

tim1_2 wrote:With no 9MM, Kuba, and Gonch, this could be ugly. At least we don't have to face Big Z. Tim Thomas kills us though. And on the 2nd game of a back-to-back.

You never know, though!

The Thomas "Mystic" has warn off considerably since the overhaul of the roster. I'm not nearly as concerned that the Sens will forget how to put the puck in an open net while Tim "The fish flopper" Thomas flails around.

I hope they win....but by golly they can never beat boston at home. They stand a better chance in the TD garden

What a bad time to play Boston. 2nd half of back-to-back, with travel. I understand the need for b-2-b games in the scheduling, but they should ALWAYS be in the same city.

shabbs wrote:No rest for the boys.... will be a tough one tonight. Hopefully Michalek is ok.

GO SENS GO!!!

TONIGHT?!?!?!?

Plenty of seats still available.

dennycrane wrote:Plenty of seats still available.

Plenty of cash NOT available. Cussing Christmas.

This game was one of the Student Union games! Not bad for $21.

Boston: +38
Ottawa: -13

SensChirp says no Michalek tonight, Butler is in.

So no Milan Michalek tonight against the #Bruins. Bobby Butler expected to draw back in for the #Sens