The Bruins are currently in a playoff spot but a lot of times are coming for them. First up on Saturday, the Ottawa Senators.

A victory against the Bruins is paramount because the Senators can move into the final wild-card spot in the East with a win over Boston and begin to close the gap with the rest of the division. That’s why it makes sense for the club to stick with Merilainen.

BOTTOM LINE: Atlantic Division opponents meet when the Ottawa Senators take on the Boston Bruins. Ottawa has gone 22-18-4 overall with a 5-3-1 record against the Atlantic Division. The Senators have a 20-3-2 record in games they score three or more goals.

The Ottawa Senators' season looked to be in danger of spiralling, but rookie goalie Leevi Merilainen has given them a new lease on life, says Adam Proteau.

The public offseason contract dispute between the Boston Bruins and Jeremy Swayman was a drawn-out saga that left its mark on both sides. With Swayman

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Despite being in a playoff spot, Boston Bruins president Cam Neely said the team may retool ahead of the NHL Trade Deadline.

Being back in the NHL tends to make days sunny again.

It has been an up-and-down year for the Boston Bruins. After entering the season with high expectations, they have a 22-19-5 record and hold the final wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference. However, the Ottawa Senators, Montreal Canadiens, and Detroit Red Wings are right behind them and have each played two fewer games.

The 39-year-old winger took a pass from Rasmus Sandin on a 2-on-1 breakaway and fired it past rookie Leevi Merilainen, the record 179th goaltender he's scored on.