Game Day: Nashville Predators @ Ottawa Senators – Mike Fisher’s Return
By Kevin Lee
Thursday, February 9th, 2012
7:30 pm
Sportsnet, Team 1200
5th West (32-17-5) @8th East (27-22-7)
The Ottawa Senators continue their five game homestand (this being their 4th) facing the surging Nashville Predators. The Sens are coming off of a 3-1 loss against the St. Louis Blues and ex-Senator Brian Elliott. Tonight they welcome back another ex-Senator in Mike Fisher. The Sens are hoping to finally snap a 7 game losing streak that has almost pushed them out of a playoff position. This is the first meeting between these teams this season.
Nashville is led in scoring by Martin Erat with 40 points (12G, 28A). Behind him is a likely Norris candidate in Shea Weber with 36 points (10G, 26A). Mike Fisher ranks 4th on the team in points with 16G and 16A. Goaltender Pekka Rinne is once again having a fantastic season with a 2.38 GAA and .925 SV%. Nashville has yet to announce their starting goalie but I would expect it to be Rinne. Ottawa will respond with none other than Craig Anderson who is looking to have a bounce back game after being pulled early against the Blues. Edit: Alex Auld was off the ice first in morning practice, meaning signs now point towards him making his first start this year.
Jesse Winchester (consussion), and 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 a healthy scratch on forward tonight which will be Zenon Konopka. It’s also been announced Brian Lee who has recovered from his injury will be taking Matt Carkner‘s place on defence. Nashville is at fully healthy at the moment with no injuries listed.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Milan Michalek, RW (OTT) – Michalek needs to get back to his goal scoring ways. He’s on an 11 game goal scoring drought that needs to end sooner than later.
Mike Fisher, C (NSH) – Who else than Fisher would Sens fans be watching tonight. He’s having a great season so far and producing the points that a 2nd line center should.
THINGS TO LOOK OUT FOR
1. Hit The Net – Ottawa had many opportunities to score last game, but many ended up going wide. The Sens need to be hitting the net or their scoring woes will continue.
2. Better Shot Selection – The Sens had 29 shots against the Blues and 49 agains the Leafs. However, many noted that very few of those shots were good scoring chances. Ottawa needs to start crashing the net and going for rebounds and earn goals the hard way.
3. Even Strengh Goal Please? – Ottawa has now gone three straight games without an even strength goal. Hard to win when you can’t score 5 on 5.
Be sure to check back here on SenShot for a complete recap after the game. GO SENS GO!!!
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