The Bruins dropped a game to the Senators on Saturday that could carry significant postseason implications. Read more on Boston.com.

Ottawa Senators' Jake Sanderson (85), Tim Stutzle (18), and Josh Norris (9) turn to see a fight starting as they celebrate Sanderson's goal against the Boston Bruins during second period NHL hockey action in Ottawa, on Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025. Credit: AP/Justin Tang

OTTAWA, Ontario — In a matchup of teams fighting for position at the tail end of the Eastern Conference playoff structure, the Bruins dropped a 6-5 shootout decision to the Senators on Saturday at Canadian Tire Centre.

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The game is scheduled to start at 3 p.m. ET on NESN and ESPN+. Fans looking to watch this Bruins game can do so for free by using FuboTV ($30 off first month) or DirecTV Stream, which both offer a free trial. SlingTV doesn’t offer a free trial but has promotional offers available to stream the game.

Tim Stutzle scored the only goal in the shootout and had a goal and an assist, Norris scored twice, and Merilainen made 23 saves for the Senators (23-18-4), who are 4-0-1 in their past five games.

It was an electric game with intensity that matched the atmosphere at Canadian Tire Centre as the Ottawa Senators defeated the Boston Bruins 6-5 in the shootout.

Bruins coach Joe Sacco said Brad Marchand's absence during Saturday's overtime and shootout periods vs. the Senators was a coach's decision.

Down 5-3 to the rival Boston Bruins with the goalie pulled, the Senators scored twice in the final four minutes to tie the game, then won it 6-5 in the shootout. The victory, for the time being, moves Ottawa into the first Wild Card position (WC1) in the Eastern Conference, now tied in points with Columbus and Boston.

Back-to-back divisional wins following their 0-5-1 skid have helped the Bruins take a one-point lead for the final wild-card spot in the East, though the Senators have two games in hand.

Elmira’s Johnny Beecher is back in the scoring column in the NHL. (Photo Courtesy: NESN) Elmira native Johnny Beecher scored his 3rd goal of the season for the Boston Bruins, on Saturday. Despite playing well off of the puck,