Senators visit Bruins in Atlantic clash without Tkachuk

The Ottawa Senators will visit the Boston Bruins at TD Garden on Thursday at 7 p.m. Eastern, meeting for the second time this season as Atlantic Division rivals. Ottawa, 6-5-2, is coming off a 4-3 overtime loss to the Montreal Canadiens on Saturday, while Boston, 8-7, arrives after a 4-3 shootout victory over the New York Islanders and will look to rebound on home ice.

The teams split early-season form suggests an evenly matched affair. The Senators routed the Bruins 7-2 in their first meeting, with Drake Batherson scoring twice, and have shown offensive firepower at times this season. Ottawa’s recent stretch has been inconsistent, and the club faces lineup challenges with captain Brady Tkachuk sidelined after thumb surgery. The absence of Tkachuk, who is expected to miss several weeks, means other forwards will be expected to carry a larger offensive and leadership load.

Boston has alternated results but has been better at home than on the road. Key contributors for the Bruins this season include Morgan Geekie and David Pastrnak, while Ottawa’s scoring ledger features Batherson, Shane Pinto and Tim Stutzle. Goaltending and special teams could be decisive. Ottawa’s penalty kill...