On Monday night, the most dominant team in the NHL will take the ice as the Boston Bruins play host to the lowly Ottawa Senators at the iconic TD Garden. The puck drops at 1 PM ET here. Ottawa is actually coming off a surprising 7-2 thrashing of the St. Louis Blues on Sunday as they continue to improve their play. Boston also thrived last time out, beating the New York Islanders 6-2. Keep reading for the Senators vs Bruins picks.
Before we get into the odds and predictions for this game make sure to check out our online sportsbook reviews, and the top NHL betting sites.
Senators vs Bruins Odds
The Bruins are a heavy favorite with -280 odds at BetOnline, which is understandable given their phenomenal record. The Sens come back at +248 and will have a tall task ahead of them facing Boston on home ice, a place where the Eastern Conference leaders have dropped just two games all season long.
However, Ottawa is unbeaten in three meetings with the Bruins, beating them twice at the beginning of the campaign.
Ottawa vs Boston Preview
The Sens are unlikely to make the playoffs this year, but they've been playing a mile better lately. Ottawa is 7-2-1 in their last 10 outings, defeating several solid opponents including the Maple Leafs, Flames, Islanders, and Blues. And while this team ranks in the bottom half of the league in scoring, they sure came out firing against St. Louis on Sunday, putting seven past netminder Thomas Greiss. Tim Stutzle and Brady Tkachuk led the way in this one, having their hands in six of the seven goals. Stutzle netted twice and tallied an assist, while Tkachuk set up two and scored another.
Both players are red-hot at the moment but especially Tkachuk. He's collected points in seven straight games, registering five goals and six assists during that span. Defensively, Mads Sogaard made 32 saves in between the posts. The Senators really broke things wide open in the second period, scoring four times to take a 5-0 lead heading into the third period. Considering Ottawa's track record against Boston and this statement win, the Sens will fancy their chances in Boston.
Will anyone beat the Bruins in the playoffs? That's the burning question. Their 42-8-5 record is by far the best in the NHL and they currently hold an eight-point cushion at the top of the East. Boston ranks first in goals scored and fewest goals allowed, truly possessing a ridiculously talented roster on both ends of the ice. David Pastrnak is enjoying a fantastic campaign, scoring 39 goals and 36 assists as the Bruins' best player, while eight others are in double-figures in goals.
Boston is currently on a three-game winning streak and comfortably took care of the Isles on Saturday, with center Trent Frederic starring with two goals. Jake DeBrusk, who just returned from a brutal leg injury, also scored after missing six weeks. That's now 89 points for the Bruins, who continue to look like a Stanley Cup favorite. However, they will be focused on the task at hand and that's collecting a victory against a team that has their number lately: The Sens. Boston's 23-2-3 record at the TD Garden is certainly a positive sign, though.
Senators vs Bruins Picks
Despite Ottawa's success versus Boston, I simply don't see them winning another on Monday. The Bruins are basically at full strength and are practically unbeatable at the Garden. The -275 moneyline at BetUS looks best here. It may not offer a ton of value, But I believe in the home team getting it done.
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