Silver Nuggets: Senators finish the primary season with the Bruins

The primary season is drawing to a close and while the Bruins have had the edge, both the Senators and the Bruins will be the nominees and likely face off in a general series next week. Ottawa has also earned the endorsement of a former Senator as the battle heats up (Note: This endorsement may not be real). On the other hand, the great antagonist Tim Thomas won't travel to their rival's home city and instead concentrate on strengthening their base for next week's showdown in Massachusetts.

While not much is on the line tonight with both nominations all but wrapped up, this hasn't stopped Ottawa's campaign staff from producing a stirring video (see below) to motivate their loyal supporters.

Can the Senators beat the mighty Bruins starting next week? Yes we can!
Will we have a change in the Stanley Cup champions? That's change we can believe in!
Can a Senator outduel an opponent from Massachusetts? Well...you get the idea.

More after the jump.

Here are today's links:

• Erik Karlsson and Filip Kuba did not practise today but both will play. Matt Gilroy will be a scratch and Ben Bishop will start. (Ian Mendes)
• Relatively optimistic panel (for winning anyway) tonight. Peter though fears it will be a 3-0 Boston win. I can only assume he didn't know that Marty Turco is starting. (Senators Extra)
• Don Brennan points out the eight reasons why he thought that the Sens would make the playoffs. (Ottawa Sun)
• Bruce Firestone, Cyril Leeder, Randy Sexton and Rod Bryden will be inducted into the Ottawa sports hall of fame. (Ottawa Sun)
• Craig Anderson, like me, wonders why is there even a discussion on whether Karlsson should win the Norris Trophy. Karlsson would vote for Shea Weber if he couldn't vote for himself. (Ottawa Sun)
• Will tonight's lineup be the team that starts game one next week? Well...aside from Ben Bishop. (Senators Extra)
• Boston is leaving some players at home, but since Ottawa is not, will Erik Karlsson survive the evening? I am sure I am not alone in hoping for health above a victory tonight. Also, Ben Blood signed a contract with the Senators and will join Binghamton. (The 6th Sens)
• Ian Mendes asks: is now the perfect time for Daniel Alfredsson to retire? God, I sure hope not. (Sportsnet)