It All Comes Down To This: Senators (37-35-9) at Bruins (42-30-9)

Just The Basics:

What: A game of hockey that will change the view of hockey players both local and beyond

Where: TD Garden, Boston, Massachusetts

When: 12:30 PM

Watch: NESN, RDS, RSN

Listen: 98.5 The SportsHub

What still ails former Bruins defenseman Dougie Hamilton?: The lack of immediate family

Best Tissue Brand To Wipe Up Tears With: Kleenex

Game Notes:

• Boston is 1-1-1 vs Ottawa this year.
• Led by Norris-favorite Erik Karlsson, Ottawa is coming off a 3-1 victory over the Florida Panthers two nights ago. Despite their mediocrity, expect Ottawa to come out and play with the same piss and vinegar they would were this game being played in November. That's just how the Senators always are; a giant pain in the ass.
• Ottawa's 246 goals allowed are the most in the Atlantic Division, and trail only Columbus (248) for the most allowed in the Eastern Conference.
• Senators winger Mark Stone won't be available for this afternoon's game; the Senators and Team Canada would like the 23-year-old to be healthy when he, presumably, represents his Canadian homeland at the 2016 IIHF World Championship in Russia.
• The Bruins held an optional skate yesterday:

Not on the ice this morning: Bergeron, Marchand, Krejci, Eriksson, Hayes, Connolly, Chara, Seidenberg, and Krug. #NHLBruins

— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) April 8, 2016

• Ryan Spooner has 2 goals and 2 assists in 4 career games against his hometown Senators.
• The Bruins have not missed the playoffs in two consecutive seasons since the 2005-2006 and 2006-2007 campaigns. Yikes!

Never Forget: