Senators vs. Bruins: Game 5 prediction

Will the Ottawa Senators put an end to the Boston Bruins season on Friday in Game 5? 

Entering Game 5 of their first round series, the Ottawa Senators hold a 3-1 series lead over the Boston Bruins. Going into the series, many thought the latter would beat the former. However, Ottawa’s trap has given Boston fits. Also, the Sens have gotten clutch plays from their players while the Bruins’ clutch plays have been few and far between.

Captain Erik Karlsson leads Ottawa. Despite playing with a likely injured foot, he’s been the most dynamic player on either team. When you look at the key moments in this series, Karlsson has been a part of most of them. This isn’t a coincidence. The Senators live and die by their two-time Norris Trophy winner. Bobby Ryan has been one heck of a story so far. He had a forgettable regular season with just 25 points in 62 games, but in the postseason, he has been the player Ottawa has wanted him to be since trading for him. Two of Ryan’s three goals this series have been game winners.

On the other side of the ice, the Bruins are desperate. However, they are also without Torey Krug and Brandon Carlo. Their defensive depth has been an issue, as Zdeno Chara and rookie Charlie McAvoy have been playing a ton of minutes. For the most part, Boston’s offense has been shut down by Ottawa.

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Prediction

Look for the Sens to finish the series strong. They’re playing excellent hockey right now. The Bruins have no answer for Karlsson and Ryan. They also can’t solve extraordinary goaltender Craig Anderson. Ottawa should once again beat Boston. Throughout the series, the Sens have executed well when they’ve needed to while the Bruins have not. Boston is on the verge of elimination.

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Senators win 3-2