Game 82: Ottawa Senators @ Boston Bruins
The last game of the season is here. It's been a long, winding road for Senators fans as we've watched the team struggle to the bottom of the standings, only to mount a meaningless late-season surge to work their way down a few spots in the entry draft. But with the last game of the season comes the knowledge that the entry draft isn't far off, and that might be the highlight of the season for some Sens fans (unless the Binghamton Senators make hay in the playoffs this year).
The Boston Bruins have won four of the meetings this season, while Ottawa has won just one. The Sens have been outscored 15-4 in those games. All signs point to a Bruins win, but these Senators have surprised a few contending teams this season.
Some players I'll be watching tonight:
- Jason Spezza: Well d'uh. If the Senators win tonight, it will be because of Spezza. He's put up 10P (5G, 5A) over the last five games while trying to impress Team Canada's selection committee; now that he knows he's playing in the World Championship, will he take it easy in the season's last game?
- Milan Lucic: The top goal scorer in Boston and second on the team in both scoring and penalty minutes, I wonder what version of Lucic we'll see tonight. I'd be surprised if he dropped the gloves considering the playoffs are days away, but if he does, Zack Smith is always a willing partner. Or Francis Lessard, although Lessard will probably dance with Shawn Thornton.
- Stephane Da Costa: Tonight will be Da Costa's fourth NHL game, and he's still waiting on his first point in professional hockey. If he doesn't get one tonight, it will be a long wait until he gets his next opportunity.
- Shane Hnidy: Did you know the Sherriff is still in the league? The former Senators defenceman has made a comeback of sorts this season as a depth guy for the Bruins' playoff run. He may not play tonight, but if he does, I'll be watching him to see how he's doing these days.
- David Hale: Has the team's best plus-minus, with a +7 in 24GP this season. He's also the third highest-scoring defenceman in the lineup tonight, with five points.
That's probably enough people to watch tonight. It's the last game of the season, folks, so make sure you enjoy it; it'll be six months before we get to see much more Senators hockey. Join us in the comments to talk about the game and the season that was.
