The Senators have three chances to end their first round series with the Bruins, but obviously, and especially since each game has been so close where a single bounce or call could have drastically affected the outcome, they want to end it as soon as humanly possible.
Ottawa is 8-0 in its history when they have a 3-1 series lead, and Boston has never come back from such a deficit, but as the saying goes, there is a first time for everything.
As great a city as Boston is to visit, I am sure the Senators would rather avoid a trip back there this weekend.
Neither team has put forth their best games, and Ottawa is in the driver's seat whether you think it is by luck, or fortunate breaks, calls, or by just playing slightly better over the course of 4 games.
Bobby Ryan, Erik Karlsson, Derick Brassard and Craig Anderson have led the way for Ottawa, and the Senators have done an outstanding job of limiting the effectiveness of the Bruins' top players. Brad Marchand had a trio of tremendous chances, but Anderson turned him aside every time in his best start of the playoffs. Marchand and David Pastrnak combined for 73 goals on the season, and have combined for just 2 goals (and 13 shots) in this series.
Ottawa will still likely be without Mark Borowiecki, and will probably be minus Tom Pyatt as well after he left Wednesday's game with injury. Ben Harpur has been solid in filling in for Borowiecki and veteran Tommy Wingels, who played the first game of the series is the most likely player to slide into Pyatt's spot in the lineup.
Also, the longer the series goes, the potential for the Bruins to get healthier on the blue line increases. Bruins coach Bruce Cassidy said yesterday that the trio of Brendan Carlo, Torey Krug and Adam McQuaid are all close, but didn't expect any to be ready for game 5. Whether you like to admit it or not, the injuries have had an effect on the series and Ottawa should take advantage of the banged-up blue line one more time before they might get some reinforcements that will make the task tougher.
Besides, it is supposed to be a sunny 17 degrees in Ottawa on Sunday, and I for one would rather be out enjoying the weather than sitting inside watching a 3:00pm start for game 6.