“Boston” and “Ottawa” meet in a key phase of the regular season, when points become especially important for improving the standings. Just a year ago, it would have been difficult to imagine these teams as equal opponents, because the Bruins were always considered one of the favorites in the East. However, this season the situation has changed somewhat.
Boston
The position of the home team in the current championship leaves much to be desired. The team that was just a year ago was among the leaders of the Eastern Conferencetoday faces with serious difficulties. Wards Jim Montgomery teetering on the edge of the playoff zone, taking the place in the middle of the standings. Problems began early in the tournament, and rumor has it that the atmosphere in the locker room is far from ideal.
This is noticeable in the performance of leaders such as David Pastrnakwho has difficulty finding his best condition. The Czech forward is still scoring points, but his influence on the result has decreased.
Nevertheless, the “bears” are still capable of producing good series. From the last 4 matches, “Boston” won 3including winning dry victories over Philadelphia (3:0) and Seattle (2:0). In a duel against “Calgary” succeeded snatch victory in overtime (4:3), although after the 2nd period the team led with a difference of 2 goals. However, matches against top opponents such as “Toronto” identify the team’s weaknesses – in particular, discipline. In the game with the Leafs, due to a series of deletions, Boston lost with a crushing score of 0:4.
Brad Marchand continues to be beneficial despite age. His aggression and energy remain at the same level, and in 15 matches he has already gained 11 points (4+7). It is thanks to veterans like Marchand and Pastrnak, Boston is still going strong. But if the team does not stabilize its play, then rumors of Montgomery’s resignation may become a reality.
Ottawa
The guests are approaching this season with great ambitions, but so far the team’s results are far from expected. Despite the significant strengthening of the roster in the off-season, the team under the leadership Travis Green still can’t find consistency in his game.
One of the key problems remains defensedespite the acquisition Linus Ullmark. The Swedish goalkeeper, called to strengthen the last line, has not yet lived up to expectations and has already lost his place in the starting lineup to Anton Forsberg. It is ironic that Ullmark, on whom great hopes were placed, is now forced to be content with the role of number 2.
After resounding victory over “St. Louis” (8:1)it seemed that the “Senators” were reaching a new level. However, the team again plunged into a series of unstable results. 2 decent matches against “Rangers” (1:2) and “Seattle” (3:0) gave way to crushing defeats from Buffalo (1:5) and Islanders (2:4).
These variations in results indicate that the team still has not resolved internal problems. Even taking into account the fact that Ottawa’s offense has been quite successful this season, their defensive play leaves much to be desired. The Senators concede an average of 3.6 goals per match, which greatly complicates the fight for getting into the playoffs.
Particular attention should be paid to Drake Bathersonwho remains one of the brightest players on the roster. At the beginning of the season he issued a series of 5 matches with points scored, but then came a period of decline. But even with such an unstable level of play, the forward currently has 13 points (6+7).
Approximate compositions
Boston Bruins: Korpysalo (Swayman) – Zadorov, McEvoy – Johnson, Zaha, Pastrnyak.
Ottawa Senators: Forsberg (Ullmark) – Sanderson, Zub – Tkachuk, Stützle, Greig.
Forecast and bet on the outcome of the odds. 1.79
In 8/9 matches, “Boston” lost the final periods of the game, while “Ottawa” won in 3 out of 6 of the last 3 twenty minutes. Probably, the guests will be able not to lose in the 3rd period. Bet: X2 in 3 p. for 1.70.
Tim Stützle has scored points in each of his previous 8 matches. In 13 meetings he has 19 (6+13) points. The forward has gained an excellent momentum and will most likely be able to extend his triumphant streak for another match. Bet: Stützle ITB (0.5) for 1.99.
“Ottawa” traditionally performs poorly on the road, which is confirmed by a series of 4 defeats. On the contrary, Boston performs much more confidently on its ice: over the last 4 home meetings, the club suffered only 1 defeat. Since 2018, the Bruins have won 8/10 matches against Ottawa on their ice. Based on this, the hosts can be called favorites. It’s worth betting on their success. Bet: P1 with OT for 1.66.
Even taking into account periodic failures in defense, in general the “Bears” defense has begun to cope better with the tasks assigned to it and concedes much less than at the start of the championship. This gives a reason to consider betting on the Senators individual total. It is unlikely that guests will have a chance to hit the goal of their counterpart more than 3 times. Rate: BMI2 (3) for 1.50.
Both opponents play effectively: Ottawa’s average performance is 6.6 goals, Boston’s is 5.5. The goalkeepers of both clubs do not show the best performance (less than 90% of saved shots). Therefore, most likely, we will see a lot of goals. Betting on the top of the pucks seems like a good option. Bet: TB (5.5) for 1.79.
Forecast: TB (5.5)
Statistics of personal meetings
The teams met three times in the last championship: “Boston” won 2 victories (3:2 OT, 6:2), and “Ottawa” achieved success in 1 match (3:1). David Pastrnak consistently excelled in each of the meetings, and in one of the matches he scored a hat-trick.
Trends in statistics
Both teams practice effective hockey and regularly achieve a goal total of 5.5 goals.
The Bruins won only 1 of the 3rd periods out of 9.
