Game Day: Ottawa Senators @ Pittsburgh Penguins
By Kevin Lee
Tuesday, January 10th, 2011
7:00 pm
Sportsnet, Team 1200
5th East (22-15-6) @8th East (21-15-4)
The Ottawa Senators visit the wounded Pittsburgh Penguins for tonight’s game. The Penguins are coming off a 3-1 loss to the New Jersey Devils that has begun pushing them to the bottom of the Eastern Conference. The Sens on the other hand are solidifying a playoff position after erasing a two goal deficit to defeat the Philadelphia Flyers 6-4. This is the third meeting between these clubs, with each club having won once. Ottawa is hoping to take advantage of a depleted Pittsburgh team like they did last time in Ottawa winning 6-4.
Pittsburgh is led in scoring by Evgeni Malkin who sits at 44 points (16G, 28A). Behind him is James Neal with 36 points (21G, 15A). Goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury continues to be solid in nets for the pens. He’s got a 2.31 GAA along with a .912 SV%. Starting goalies have yet to be annouced, but I would expect Fleury to start for the Pens (Edit: Brent Johnson was the first goalie off the ice for the game day skate) and Craig Anderson for Ottawa.
Jesse Winchester (consussion) and Peter Regin (shoulder) remain out with injuries for the Sens. As well, either Brian Lee or Matt Carkner will find themselves a healthy scratch as well. For Pittsburgh the injury list is extensive. James Neal (Edit: Neal has announced he will play even though it was thought he had a broken foot), Jordan Staal, Sidney Crosby, and Kris Letang are all out of the forseeable future. On top of that, Deryk Engelland, Craig Adams, Paul Martin, and Aaron Asham are all listed as DTD.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Erik Karlsson, D (OTT) – Coming off a +5 performance EK65 is only getting better as the season progresses. He’s quickly getting his name mentioned as a potential Norris candidate.
Evgeni Malkin, C (PIT) – With so many injuries all the pressure falls on Malkin to lead the way for the Pens. If Ottawa can shut him down Pittsburgh may struggle to find offence in the rest of their lineup.
THINGS TO LOOK OUT FOR
1. Wounded Pens – The Sens have to win this game. The Penguins are missing their top forward (Crosby), second leading scorer (Neal), top defenceman (Letang) and top penalty killer (Staal).
2. Point Streak – The Senators have now gone 6 straight games notching at least a point. They hope to extend it to 7 tonight.
3. 9MM – Milan Michalek seems to have gotten his stride back. Scored on Saturday as well as rung one off the post Sunday. It’s only a matter of time before we see the pre-concussion Michalek I think.
Be sure to check back here on SenShot for a complete recap after the game. GO SENS GO!!!
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