Game Day #1 – Ottawa Senators @ Winnipeg Jets Preview

The Ottawa Senators open the season by paying a visit to the Winnipeg Jets in what will be their only trip (at least in the regular season) outside the Eastern time zone this season.

0-0-0, T 1st Eastern Conference

VS

0-0-0, T 1st Eastern Conference

3:00 PM

TV: CBC,   Radio:  Team 1200

2011-12 HEAD TO HEAD

Ottawa went 3-1 against the Jets last season, outscoring the Winnipegers 16-11.  The Jets lone win was a 2-0 shutout by Chris Mason, who is no longer with the team. Ottawa had a pair of 6-4 victories in Winnipeg and a 4-1 win at home.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Evander Kane, WPG – The Winger had an eventful off-season and didn’t really make any apologies for it (not that he was required to).  The Jets leader in goals last season needs to do his talking on the ice.

Jakob Silfverberg, OTT – The rookie will be in the spotlight to see how he handles the assignment of riding shotgun with Jason Spezza and Milan Michalek.  The former Swedish Elite League MVP is considered to be a leading contender for the Calder Trophy as the season opens.

Jan 16, 2012; Ottawa, ON, CAN; Winnipeg Jets defenseman

(6) and Ottawa Senators right wing

(25) in the third period at Scotiabank Place. The Jets defeated the Senators 2-0. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports

TOP 3 STORYLINES FOR THE GAME

1. The Defence Never Rests – Three new faces on the blue line (likely Marc Methot, Andre Benoit and Patrick Wiercioch), the unit with the most question marks needs to start out strong to avoid a panic situation among Ottawa fans. Erik Karlsson will need to show his Norris Trophy form right from the get go.

2. Guiiiiii – Guillaume Latendresse is on the second line, and his health and production have me questioning his ability to stay there.  He has won over the coach and his teammates, so I will give him the benefit of the doubt.  If he gets the puck to Kyle Turris and Daniel Alfredsson and then creates traffic in front of Ondrej Pavelec, then he will be doing his job.

3.  Emerging From A Crowded Crease – With a pair of youngsters (Ben Bishop, Robin Lehner) looking over his shoulder chomping at the bit, Craig Anderson will start for Ottawa, but the leash will not be a long one.  A poor performance in Winnipeg might open the door for Lehner to take a shot at winning the number one job.

PARTING SHOT

Remember the last time the Senators played in Winnipeg?  Let me take you back to March 26, 2012:

(Note the title of the video is “Spezza Scores Off Turris”  as if it went in off Turris’ behind or face or something!)

Enjoy the game!