Senators vs Bruins Picks and Prediction – 4/16/2024

In a crucial Atlantic Division clash, the Ottawa Senators, holding a 36-40-4 record, face off against the top-seeded Boston Bruins at 47-18-15. Both teams are coming off recent victories, with the Senators triumphing in a shootout against Montreal and the Bruins dominating Pittsburgh. Hit the ice running with our NHL picks.

The Ottawa Senators have had a tumultuous season, reflected in a 36-40-4 record and 7th in the Atlantic Division. Recent performances, however, hint at potential, with notable shootout victories against both Montreal and Tampa Bay demonstrating the capability to compete under pressure. Offensively, Brady Tkachuk is leading the team with 36 assists across 356 shots on goal. Despite these efforts, the Senators face significant hurdles, notably an underwhelming 18th rank in goals scored and a power play that converts only 18.3% of the time.

Defensively, the Senators are grappling with more severe challenges. They are ranked 27th in the league for goals against, having conceded a substantial 276 goals this season. Recent injuries to key players like Tim Stutzle and Travis Hamonic have only compounded these issues, leaving significant gaps in both the offense and defense.

The Boston Bruins are enjoying a strong season, firmly holding first place in the Atlantic Division with a record of 47-18-15. The recent 6-4 victory over Pittsburgh is an example of a potent attack. Offensively, the Bruins are led by the formidable David Pastrnak, who has tallied an impressive 62 assists and 47 goals. The team’s overall offensive capability is robust, ranking 12th in the NHL for goals scored with a total of 262 this season.

On the defensive front, the Bruins excel, ranking 5th in goals against by allowing only 216 goals, an example of disciplined defensive play. The Bruins’ special teams are a significant asset, with a power play percentage of 22% and a penalty kill efficiency of 82.3%, which are among the best in the league.