Ottawa Senators vs Boston Bruins Picks and Predictions March 13th 2025

Bruins Adjust to New Identity Amid Playoff Push

The Boston Bruins enter Thursday’s game against the Ottawa Senators with momentum on their side, but also with a new-look lineup following the NHL trade deadline. Boston has responded well after key departures, winning two straight games, including a statement 3-2 victory over the division-leading Florida Panthers on Tuesday.

Despite parting ways with Charlie Coyle, Brandon Carlo, and longtime captain Brad Marchand, the Bruins have remained competitive. Interim head coach Joe Sacco believes the team’s new additions—Marat Khusnutdinov, Casey Mittelstadt, and Henri Jokiharju—are fueling a fresh sense of motivation as the team fights to stay in the Eastern Conference playoff race.

“We understand where we are in the standings and what just transpired with our group, but we have new players here. It’s an opportunity for these guys,” Sacco said. “So, whatever motivates them—an underdog role, maybe an opportunity they didn’t have somewhere else—we want to see us come together as quickly as we can.”

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Pastrnak Steps Into Leadership Role

With veteran leaders departing, David Pastrnak has taken on a bigger role both on and off the ice. He played a crucial part in Boston’s comeback win over Florida, scoring a goal and assisting on Pavel Zacha’s game-winner.

“He’s been so good and just a natural leader,” goaltender Jeremy Swayman said. “He’s had success in this league for so long because he’s been around really high-quality leaders, and now he’s using the tools he’s learned and augmenting it to his game and the guys in this locker room.”

Boston is now just two points out of a wild-card spot, tied with two other teams.

Senators Keep Rolling in Wild-Card Race

The Senators, meanwhile, have been on fire. A four-game winning streak has propelled them into a stronger wild-card position, highlighted by a 5-2 win over the Philadelphia Flyers on Tuesday.

Ottawa’s resurgence has been fueled by captain Brady Tkachuk, who has been on a tear, scoring seven goals over his past seven games.

“This stretch is going to make us who we are,” Tkachuk said. “This is a dream of mine to be in the race, compete and bring what we want back to Ottawa. That’s not going to change.”

Another key addition to the Senators’ success has been Dylan Cozens, who was acquired from Buffalo at the trade deadline. The 24-year-old centerman has delivered immediate results, scoring in back-to-back games and extending his points streak to three games.

“He’s a nice player,” first-year Senators coach Travis Green said. “He’s very coachable. He’s hungry to win. He’s made a good first impression on us for sure.”

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High Stakes for Both Teams

With both teams in the thick of the playoff race, this Atlantic Division showdown carries massive implications. Boston is still adjusting to its new identity after deadline departures, while Ottawa is surging at the right time.

The Bruins and Senators have plenty to play for, and with only weeks remaining in the regular season, every point matters. Expect a physical, hard-fought battle between two teams determined to keep their playoff hopes alive.