Game Day: Toronto Maple Leafs @ Ottawa Senators
By Kevin Lee
Saturday, February 4th, 2012
7:00 pm
CBC, Team 1200
8th East (26-19-6) @6th East (27-20-7)
The Ottawa Senators continue their homestand facing the Toronto Maple Leafs. The Sens are coming a 2-1 OT loss yesterday against the NY Islanders and are looking to snap a 5 game losing streak. They are set to play a rested Toronto team in an all important four point game. No better time to snap the losing streak than now. This is the 5th meeting between these teams with Ottawa having gone 3-1 against their provincial rivals.
Toronto is led in scoring by the impressive duo of Joffrey Lupul with 52 points (20G, 32A) and Phil Kessel with 51 points (26G, 25A). Goaltenders James Reimer (2.84 GAA, .903 SV%) and Jonas Gustavsson (2.77 GAA, .909SV%) have both been solid as of late and either of them can currently be counted on to give their team the W. However, it will be Reimer who gets the start coming off a shutout against the Penguins. Ottawa will respond with none other than Craig Anderson.
Jesse Winchester (consussion), Peter Regin (shoulder), and Brian Lee (lower body) remain out with injuries for the Sens. Ottawa is also carrying callup Jim O’Brien meaning there will be one healthy scratch tonight. Paul MacLean has announced that it will be Bobby Butler who was also the scratch in the loss against the Islanders. Toronto is very healthy at the moment with their only injury being to center David Steckel who is listed as DTD.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Milan Michalek, RW (OTT) – Michalek needs to get back to his goal scoring ways. The Senators are in dire need of goal scorers and Michalek is currently the only one who fits the bill!
Phil Kessel, C (TOR) – His chemistry with Lupul has been nothing short of amazing this season. The key for a Sens victory will definitely be to shut down his line.
THINGS TO LOOK OUT FOR
1. Struggling Sens – Ottawa has been terribly inconsistent as of late having played an amazing game against Boston, and a not so amazing game against the Islanders. The result is a 5 game losing streak that they hope to snap tonight.
2. Back to Back – As most Sens fans know all the remaining games against the Leafs come after a game the previous day. Will fatigue rear its ugly face on Ottawa tonight? Hopefully not.
Be sure to check back here on SenShot for a complete recap after the game. GO SENS GO!!!
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