Game Day: Washington Capitals @ Ottawa Senators
By Kevin Lee
Wednesday, February 22nd, 2012
7:00 pm
TSN, Team 1200
8th East (29-25-5)@9th East (31-22-8)
The Ottawa Senators head home to host the struggling Washington Capitals. The Sens are coming off a dominant 6-0 victory against the NY Islanders. The Caps on the other hand are coming off a disastrous 5-0 loss to the Carolina Hurricanes, which has allowed the Winnipeg Jets to pass them in the standings. This is definitely a 4 point game, with the Sens having the opportunity to put a lot of ground between them and the Capitals in the standings. Washington hopes their success against the Senators continues though, having won all 3 meetings this season.
Washington is led in scoring by captain Alex Ovechkin who stands at 45 points (24G 21A). Behind him is the injured Nicklas Backstrom with 42 points (13G 29A). Starting goaltender Tomas Vokoun will likely get the start for the Caps. He has respectable numbers this season with a GAA of 2.45 and SV% of .920. He will be facing Ottawa’s Craig Anderson in nets.
Jesse Winchester (consussion), and Peter Regin (shoulder) remain out with injuries for the Sens. Ottawa will also be carrying two healthy scratches, Matt Carkner on defence and Zenon Konopka at forward. Washington only has one injury at the moment. However, it is to who many argue is their best player this season in Nicklas Backstrom. He remains out with a concussion.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Jasson Spezza, C (OTT) – Spezza has been on fire for the Sens posting 15 points on his current 6 game point streak.
Alex Ovechkin, RW (WSH) – The last time Ovechkin was in Ottawa he speared Chris Neil in the groin and Sens fans proceeded to boo him the entire night before he scored the GWG. It was announced this morning that he will be a game time decision, so the Sens may get lucky with the Capitals missing their top two players.
THINGS TO LOOK OUT FOR
1. Shutout? – The Sens are coming off a shutout victory while the Capitals are coming off a shutout loss. It will be interesting to see if either team will continue their play from their previous games.
2. Erik Karlsson For Norris – Karlsson had 4 points in his last game, which has allowed him to continue to build on his already impressive defencemen scoring lead. What does he have in store for us tonight?
3. Washington’s Slump Buster – It seems whenever a team is on a slump the best bet is to play the Sens. We’ve seen it several times this season. Add to the fact that Washington has beat Ottawa in every game this season you’d have to think the Capitals feel this is the time to righten the ship.
Be sure to check back here on SenShot for a complete recap after the game. GO SENS GO!!!
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