Round 1, Game 5 preview: Boston Bruins @ Ottawa Senators

The Ottawa Senators will host game five tonight looking to close out their first round series with the Boston Bruins. After losing game one at home, the Senators levelled the series in game two before winning both away games in Boston. All four games have been decided by a single goal though so it will not be easy tonight.

The only change for Ottawa is that Chris Kelly will return to the lineup for the injured Tom Pyatt. The Bruins are not expected to have any of their injured defencemen back. Sean Kuraly will replace Ryan Spooner on the fourth line. Here are the likely lines and pairings for Ottawa.

Hoffman - Pageau - Stone
Stålberg - Brassard - Ryan
Burrows - Turris - Dzingel
Smith - Kelly - MacArthur

Methot - Karlsson
Phaneuf - Ceci
Harpur - Wideman

Anderson (starter)
Condon

Here are the likely lines and pairings for Boston.

Marchand - Bergeron - Backes
Stafford - Krejčí - Pastrňák
Moore - Nash - Acciari
Vatrano - Kuraly - Schaller

Chára - McAvoy
Morrow - K. Miller
Liles - C. Miller

Rask (starter)
Khudobin

Some notes for tonight:

• The Senators have beaten the Bruins seven times in eight meetings. They just need to beat them once more and they will get up to three tries to do it.
• It would be #ideal if Ottawa could finish it out tonight. Despite his ridiculous performances, Erik Karlsson is not 100% and definitely could use 4-5 days off if possible.
• A win tonight would give bring Pierre Dorion level with Bryan Murray in playoff series won as Senators general manager.
• The Senators have allowed an NHL low 24.0 shots per playoff game.
• With the New York Rangers leading the Canadiens 3-2, Ottawa could potentially have home ice advantage in round two as well if they get by Boston.
• Ottawa has scored on 23.1% of power play opportunities in the playoffs.
• The Bruins have spent 14:45 on the power play. That is the second least in the NHL to the Nashville Predators' 14:33.
• The Senators haven't allowed a goal yet in the first period of the playoffs.
• Karlsson, Bobby Ryan and Derick Brassard are tied for eighth in playoff scoring with five points.
• Karlsson skated around the Bruins in game two, he had the saucer pass from his own goal line in game three, a slap pass from the blue line to the crease in game four. What will he do tonight!?
• One of these days, Mark Stone is going to show up offensively. Could tonight be the night? It is Friday, Friday after all!
• Ottawa has allowed the fewest shots while the Bruins have allowed the third fewest shots in the playoffs.
• If you are the in the US, you can stream the game live here from NBC.