Senators vs. Bruins: Game 4 prediction

The Bruins almost pulled it out at home in Game 3 after coming back from a three-goal deficit, but find themselves down 2-1 heading into Game 4.

New England has seen its fair share of comebacks in the 2010s, and even one of the biggest in sports history with their Patriots and their Super Bowl win in February. Needless to say, a 2-1 deficit against the Senators isn’t going to scare away the Bruins in Game 4.

Boston found themselves down 3-0 early in the second period in Game 3 at home, and just as quickly bounced back to tie the game by the end of the second. The team struck fast, before falling in overtime due to mistakes on their parts, and possibly the fault of those in black and white, as well.

Ottawa has done the most important thing well in this series: capitalize on mistakes. The Senators have scored on many of the Bruins’ mishaps, whether it involves the mishandling of a puck on Boston’s end, or a penalty giving Ottawa a man advantage. Two of the team’s four goals in Game 3 were completely based on Boston’s mistakes, and they’ll have to take advantage again in Game 4 to take this game home.

The Bruins will have to utilize the hometown crowd energy, who find themselves looking to rally behind their two playoff teams in the Bruins and Celtics, as they both find themselves down in their respective series. The Boston faithful will look for their team to even the series in any way possible, and will provide a raucous environment Wednesday night.

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Pick: Bruins 3, Senators 2

Unfortunately for the Bruins, Tuukka Rask hasn’t been able to find a solid rhythm in net, and hasn’t given his offense much of a cushion. However, with all the pressure and the hometown crowd roaring, something has to give. As a result, I think Rask limits Ottawa better in net, and give his offense some breathing room. I think the Bruins take a close 3-2 win and head back to Ottawa with an even series.