Game #12 Preview – Winnipeg Jets @ Ottawa Senators

This is the second time they meet this season.  The last time was the season opener, that marked the return of the NHL!

4-5-1, 11th Eastern Conference

Vs.

6-3-2, 5th Eastern Conference

2 P.M

TV: CBC   Radio: Team 1200

HEAD TO HEAD

In round one, the Senators came to play and left Winnipeg with two points in a 4-1 victory.  In that game Chris Neil scored the game winner and Erik Karlsson started off the season with a bang with 3 points. Craig Anderson started what continues to be an amazing start to the season posting great stats.

Jan 19, 2013; Winnipeg, MB, CAN; Winnipeg Jets forward

(8) takes a shot while Ottawa Senators goalie

(41) tries to recover during the second period at the MTS Centre. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Fedyck-USA TODAY Sports

LAST GAMES

Ottawa played a hard fought game against the Carolina Hurricanes losing  3-2 after Jay Harrison scored in overtime. (Senators Vs. Hurricanes Recap) Winnipeg is coming to town after a losing effort to the Toronto Maple Leafs.  In this game Phil Kessel scored the winner in what was only his first goal of the season.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Evander Kane, WPG – Kane has been in a little slump here in the past 3 games, but look for him to come out of that anytime now.  He is a great player with a great shot he currently has 8 pts in 10 gp.

Stephane Da Costa, OTT – He has played in two games so far since he was recalled.  His ice time increased in the second game, as the coach gained more confidence in him.  He is great in the face-off circle and has great hands.  He should be getting his first point of the season anytime now as he seems to improve with every game.

TOP 3 STORYLINES FOR THE GAME

1. Dustin Byfuglien – Will we see the big blueliner? He has been listed as day to day since his injury and has missed the past 4 games.  The Jets could really use him as he certainly is a weapon from the blue line and on the power play.
2. Special teams – Will special teams be the difference maker in the game? The Jets are near the bottom of the league in goals against and also penalty kill.  On the other side the Sens are near the top in both categories.
3. Craig Anderson – Will we see Anderson play once again? It is not yet clear who will start but MacLean has mentioned he was considering a switch in net.  I think it is far more likely we see Bishop get his second start in the back to back coming up.

PARTING SHOT

Both team will be looking to get the full two points after both recently losing in a close game.  Ottawa and Winnipeg  had the lead and lost in the last frame, we will see a hard fought game in this match-up.  As mentioned above, expect special teams to be the difference maker here.

NOTE

Jason Spezza has mentioned that he is feeling great after the surgery, stating he could never get comfortable and could barely sleep before the surgery.  He also mentioned that this injury happened during camp and tried to play through it but it kept bothering him and never seemed to get better.  Spezza said he hopes to be back before the playoffs.

Check back later for the line-up, or follow me on twitter as I will also mention them there!

UPDATE:  BEN BISHOP will start in net for the Senators, while Patrick Wiercioch and Kaspars Daugavins draw into the lineup.  Andre Benoit and Jim O’Brien come out.

Enjoy the game!