More photos » by Michael Dwyer - AP

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There's no place like home for the holidays. That Hallmark sentiment rings true for the Boston Bruins, who will be happy to see their 3-game road trip come to end. The trip has seen them lose games and personnel, as they have gone 0-1-1 and are currently without the services of 3 of their top 6 defensemen. The B's will look to turns things around tonight when they take on the Ottawa Senators at Scotiabank Place. Only one point separates the two teams in the Northeast Division standings as the Senators sit in second place with 40 points, while the Bruins trail behind with 39 points. The Sens are coming off a 4-1 win over the Minnesota Wild on Saturday, while the B's are trying bounce back from getting shutout 2-0 against the Toronto Maple Leafs on Saturday night.

Know Your Enemy

Ottawa Senators (18-13-4; 2nd in Northeast, 5th in Eastern Conference)

Head Coach: Cory Clouston (2nd Year; 37-24-8)

SB Nation's Senators Blog: Silver Seven

Leading Goal Scorer:

Milan Michalek

#9 / Left Wing / Ottawa Senators

Height: 6-2

Weight: 225

Born: Dec 07, 1984

Goaltending:

Injury Report

Projected Lines & D-Pairs

Boston

Ottawa

Notes:

- As of last night when I wrote this, Derek Morris was still listed as questionable with an undisclosed injury.

- Ottawa is 13-4-3 at home this season.

- Ottawa goalie Mike Brodeur got the win and turned aside 22 of 23 shots in his NHL debut on Saturday vs. the Wild.

- The Bruins have lost 4 straight (0-2-2) and have been 0 for 11 on the power play in those 4 games.

- Ottawa takes the 6th most penalty minutes per game in the league (14.5 minutes/game).

- For more on the game, Check out Silver Seven

- The puck drops at 7:30 and can be seen on NESN. The Public Skate open thread starts at 7:00.

Today's Obligatory Embarrassing Senators Fan YouTube Video

I have to admit that one was pretty funny. Apparently, this is video #3 of the series. Be sure to check out the original Jonathan Cheechoo Song and The Better Cheechoo Song.

More photos » by CHRIS YOUNG - AP

1 day ago: Toronto Maple Leafs' Tomas Kaberle, right of Czech Republic, celebrates with teammates Colton Orr, left, and Mike Komosarek after scoring against the Boston Bruins during the second period of an NHL hockey game in Toronto on Saturday, Dec. 19, 2009. (AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Chris Young)

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In his first game back from heart surgery, Toronto Maple Leafs rookie netminder Jonas Gustavsson turned aside 25 shots to record his first career shutout as the Leafs beat the B's 2-0. At the other end of the ice, Tuukka Rask (29 saves) looked sharp all night except for a soft goal by Tomas Kaberle in the second period, but couldn't get any help in the offensive zone tonight. The Bruins looked like a team that played back-to-back games as they were flat from the opening face-off and just could not seem to get anything going offensively.

The Maple Leafs got on the board first 2:24 into the second period when Tomas Kaberle put a shot on goal from the left circle. Tuukka Rask seemed to be in position to make the save, but somehow the puck trickled through his legs for the 1-0 Toronto lead.

Jason Blake made it 2-0 when he roofed a shot from the slot that got past a diving Adam McQuaid and goalie Tuukka Rask with 10:17 left in the third period.

Things got a little interesting with just under 7 minutes remaining when Johnny Boychuk lined up Matt Stajan for a BIG open ice hit. The Maple Leafs took exception to what looked like a clean hit and a  5 on 5 scrum ensued. No real punches were thrown and the Bruins ended up on the power play after Alexei Ponikarovsky was tagged with a roughing call for his actions during the altercation. Michael Ryder was whistled for a boarding call just a few minutes later and it looked as if a powder keg was about to erupt, but cooler heads (or a lack of emotion) prevailed.

Notes:

- I thought Johnny Boychuk's hit was clean. He only left his feet after the initial contact . Stajan got caught with his head down in the neutral zone and unfortunately in the path of a big kid who is trying to make an impression at the NHL level. You decide:

- Mike Komisarek always acts his toughest when he is being held back by two linesmen.

- Derek Morris missed the game with an undisclosed injury.

- When Andrew Ference is logging 28:22 of ice time, you know you have injury problems.

- Adam McQuaid was a -2 with 2 shots and 2 blocked shots. He got formally welcomed to the NHL when he was on the receiving end of a big hit by Colton Orr on his first NHL shift.

- Byron Bitz, was a -2 tonight and is -7 over his last 4 games.

- I wouldn't be doing my job if I didn't tell you how Phil Kessel did: 21:48 TOI, 4 shots, 3 give-aways, 4 for 4 on face-offs, even.

- The Bruins need to put this game behind them and focus on Monday's game against the Senators in Ottawa.

- The only remedy for a loss like that is some good old fashioned Phil Kessel mockery: Phil Kessel is softer than an 85 year old man watching a Rosie O'Donnell nude scene. For more Kessel mockery follow me on Twitter (@cupofchowdah).

More photos » by Charles Krupa - AP

10 days ago: Boston Bruins defenseman Johnny Boychuk, left, checks Toronto Maple Leafs center Phil Kessel, who played for the Bruins since 2006, during the first period of their NHL hockey game in Boston, Thursday Dec. 10, 2009. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

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The Bruins are in Toronto, where they will take on the Toronto Maple Leafs at the Air Canada Centre. This is the B's first trip to YYZ this season, but the two teams have faced each other twice already in Boston with the Bruins outscoring the Leafs 12-4 in those two contests. Both teams were in action last night with the Bruins falling 4-3 in a shootout to the Blackhawks in Chicago and the Maple Leafs losing 5-2 to the Sabres in Buffalo.

Know Your Enemy

Toronto Maple Leafs (12-16-7; 5th in Northeast, 14th in Eastern Conference)

Head Coach: Ron Wilson (2nd season behind Toronto's Bench; 46-51-20 with TOR, 564-477-101-66 Lifetime)

SB Nation's Leafs Blog: Pension Plan Puppets

Leading Scorer:

Niklas Hagman

#9 / Left Wing / Toronto Maple Leafs

Height: 6-0

Weight: 205

Born: Dec 05, 1979

Tonight's Probable Starting Goaltenders

Both teams played last night, so neither team is holding a morning skate today. If I had to guess I would say that both teams will sit the goalies that got the start last night (Tim Thomas and Vesa Toskala).

Tuukka Rask

#40 / Goalie / Boston Bruins

Height: 6-3

Weight: 169

Born: Mar 10, 1987

Jonas Gustavsson

#50 / Goalie / Toronto Maple Leafs

Height: 6-3

Weight: 192

Born: Oct 24, 1984

Injury Report:

Projected Lines and D-Pairs:

Boston

Toronto

Notes:

- Toronto goalie Jonas Gustavsson is expected to get his first start since undergoing heart surgery just 2 weeks ago.

- Leafs Broadcaster Joe Bowen talks about the food in the media room at the ACC, Phil Kessel's game, and the Leafs recent goaltending woes:

- The Leafs started the year losing their first 8 games (0-7-1) and didn't record their first win until October 26th when they beat Anaheim 6-3. Toronto has started to turn things around a bit lately, winning 6 of their last 10.

- This will be the third time the B's and Leafs have played this year. I think we can stop with the "Kessel-Mania" Roman numeral B.S.

- It's almost that time of year when the mercury starts to dip and so does Phil Kessel's production. Don't say I didn't warn you Leafs fans.

- If you are heading to the game in Toronto, be sure to stock up on some masking tape to alter that black & gold #81 jersey you have collecting dust in the closet like this gentleman.

- Game starts at 7:00 and can be seen on NESN, NHL Network, and Hockey Night in Canada. Public Skate open thread starts right here at 6:30.

- For more on the Leafs, check out Pension Plan Puppets

Today's Obligatory Embarrassing Leafs Fan YouTube Video

Haha, even though the Leafs are horrible they have Phil Kessel throwing shots on net to look forward to. Kesel can score 45 goals this year, but the Leafs still won't make the playoffs. Thanks for the draft picks.

More photos » by Charles Rex Arbogast - AP

2 days ago: Boston Bruins left wing Steve Begin, left, watches his shot on-goal get deflected by Chicago Blackhawks goalie Antti Niemi during the first period of their NHL Hockey game Friday, Dec. 18, 2009, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)

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Patrick Kane scored the game-winner for the Chicago Blackhawks in the shootout on Friday night to beat the visiting Bruins 5-4. The B's tied up the game with 2:43 left in regulation on a goal from David Krejci, but the home team would ultimately prevail in the shootout.

David Krejci got the Bruins on the board 9:22 into the game, ending the Blackhawks' hopes of a third straight shutout. Krejci put a soft wrist shot on goal from the right half wall that Chicago goalie Antti Niemi deflected behind the net. Wheeler gained possession of the puck and found Krejci driving to the net in the slot for the game's first goal.

Andrew Ference handed Kris Versteeg a goal on silver platter when his unforced turnover gave Versteeg the puck right in front of the net. Versteeg was able to beat Tim Thomas to knot the score at 1-1 1:55 into the second period.

The Blackhawks made it 2-1 at 8:22 of the middle period on a goal from Patrick Sharp. Thomas got a piece of Brent Seabrook's shot but left the rebound out front and gift-wrapped for Sharp, who had an empty net to shoot at.

Daniel Paille evened the game up at 2-2 when he hammered home a shot from deep in the offensive zone at the right circle off a nice feed from Mark Recchi with 3:28 remaining in the second.

Chicago re-gained the lead just 3 minutes later when Troy Brouwer slid a nifty pass from the right wing boards to a wide open Jonathan Toews at the doorstep.

Johnny Boychuk tied the game at 3-3 with 14:00 left in the third period on a hard slapper.

The 'Hawks re-claimed their lead just 1:40 later when Andrew Ladd tipped in Brian Campbell's drive from the right point.

David Krejci got his second goal of the game when he put home a rebound in front with 2:43 left in regulation to tie the game at 4-4.

With the game tied after 60 minutes of hockey, the teams headed for overtime. The overtime session featured some frantic moments, good scoring opportunities, and scrum after the final whistle, but no goals.

Shootout

Patrice Bergeron skated inand Niemi kicked up his bid with a left pad save.

Jonathan Toews beat Thomas stick side. 1-0 Chicago

Blake Wheeler rang his shot off the post.

Patrick Kane beat Thomas with a nifty move and tucked the puck into the net through the 5 hole. 2-0 Chicago wins

Notes:

- The Bruins were out-shot 44-29

- Tonight was probably Johnny Boychuk's best game in a Boston Bruins uniform. Boychuk finished the night a +3 with a goal in 30:07 of ice time and made plays at both ends of the ice.

- The 4th line of Shawn Thornton, Steve Begin, and Vladimir Sobotka looked very good tonight. They showed a lot of energy all game long and were constantly putting strong  forechecking pressure on the Blackhawks' puck carriers.

- If you are going to loss in the shootout, you might as well do it against a Western Conference team.

- Byron Bitz was a -3 in just 12:29 of ice time.

- The Bruins will be back in action tomorrow night when they travel to Toronto to play the Leafs.

 Boston Bruins @ Chicago Blackhawks

United Center

Chicago,IL

8:30

TV: NESN & NHL Network

Radio: 98.5 FM "The Sports Hub"

Blackhawks SBN Blog: Second City Hockey

Watch the game and discuss it with other B's fans. Remember to always skate in a counter-clockwise direction and no rough-housing. Have at it, Chowdah Heads, Puckheads, and Hockey Krishnas!

More photos » by Danny Moloshok - AP

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The Bruins are in Chicago to skate with the Blackhawks tonight at the United Center. The Bruins, who will be without the services of defensemen Mark Stuart (broken sternum) and Dennis Wideman (undisclosed injury), are looking to snap a 2 game skid. Meanwhile, the Blackhawks have registered back-to-back shutout wins.

Know Your Enemy

Chicago Blackhawks (21-8-3)

Head Coach: Joel Quenneville

SB Nation's Blackhawks Blog: Second City Hockey

Leading Scorer

4 players with 9 goals (Patrick Sharp, Jonathan Toews, Kris Versteeg, & Duston Byfuglien)

Goaltending

Injury Report

Boston
Milan Lucic (Out; Ankle)
Mark Stuart (Out; Broken Sternum)
Dennis Wideman (Doubtful; Undisclosed)

Projected Lines

Boston

Chicago

Notes:

- Chicago is 14-3-1 at home

- Chicago has allowed just 2.00 goals per game this season

- The top three teams in face-off percentage are also the top three teams in killing penalties and in my opinion that is not a coincidence (Boston, San Jose, & Chicago).

- If you are in Chicago and you are heading to the game, be sure to pick up a copy of "The Committed Indian" game day program and check out my Q&A with Sam Fels from "The Committed Indian" and Second City Hockey (which I also recommend checking out).

- Patrick Kane celebrated his 21st birthday by begrudgingly agreeing to appear at a charity event to restore his image and spending the night listening to a drunk Vince Vaughn tell him how money he is: (no cabbies were harmed in the making of this video)

- This is the first of a 3 game road trip for the B's who will make stops in Chicago, Toronto, and Ottawa in the next 4 days.

- Game starts at 8:30 and can be seen on NESN and NHL Network. Open thread starts at 8:00.

Today's Obligatory Embarrassing Blackhawks Fan YouTube Video (Language NSFW)

More photos » by Elise Amendola - AP

4 days ago: Workers continue to prepare the hockey rink on the infield at Fenway Park in Boston Thursday, Dec. 17, 2009 in advance of the Winter Classic NHL hockey game between the Boston Bruins and Philadelphia Flyers on Jan. 1, 2010. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)

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The ice is in place at Fenway Park and the Zambonis made their way to The Old Ballyard today in preparation for the NHL Winter Classic on New Year's Day.

See the anti-climatic video of the Zambonis arriving below:

At least things went smoother than last year's Zamboni delivery at Wrigley Park:

A ceremonial first skate on the Fenway ice will take place Friday morning at 9:30. Bruins alumni including Bobby Orr, Ray Bourque, Cam Neely, Terry O'Reilly, Brad Park, Johnny "Pie" McKenzie, Don Sweeney and Milt Schmidt are scheduled to participate in the skate. Prior to the skate, there will be a caravan from TD Garden to Fenway Park to "represent the transition of Bruins hockey from the TD Garden to Fenway Park".