"It's a nice reset for mental health to take a step back and to spend some time with family," added Bruins captain Patrice Bergeron. "It's always great..something you don't always have the chance to do as much as you'd like."
The Bruins are looking to improve to 28-4-2 as they face one of the four teams to beat them in regulation this season. The B's lost, 7-5, to the Sens back in October in the second game of a back-to-back. Coming off the holiday break, coach Jim Montgomery has confidence in his team's ability to adjust.
"It is probably going to hurt us for the first 30 minutes, but everyone's on the same playing field," said Montgomery. "I go back to the trust I have and our leadership in that locker room and the way they've been able to get themselves ready so consistently, I feel that that's an advantage that we have on those teams coming back to start the game."
When it comes to lineup changes, Craig Smith will be swapping in for A.J Greer on the fourth line with Tomas Nosek and Nick Foligno, while Jeremy Swayman will make the start in net.
Video: Montgomery speaks with media after practice in Ottawa
Bergeron spoke about what he would like to see change from the last time the Bruins were here in Ottawa. "Last game against them was a tough one for us, so we need to make sure we are better," he said. "Our execution needs to be better. Details is going to be paramount for us.
Overall, Bergeron would like to focus on seeing more consistency across a full game, something that has been lacking at times of late. "For me I would like to see a little more consistency in our 60-minute effort," he said. "It's not going to be perfect but I would like to have better starts and carry that on moving forward."
Focusing on the details will be even more important on Tuesday night as the B's were thrown off their typical routine with an early morning flight to Ottawa due to the holiday break restricting travel unitl the day of the game. "It's a little unique, a little different," said Bergeron. "But I think we are all used to it."
Video: Bergeron speaks with media after practice in Ottawa
Ottawa has lost their last three games and has a record of 14-16-3, currently sitting last in the Atlantic Divisioin. The numbers don't always paint the full picture, however, as Bergeron spoke of the challenges against this Senators team. "I think it's a team that has been improving one year to the next," said Bergeron. Lots of talent..lots of grit and lots of skill. They are a good mix, they are a good team."
