Game #23 Preview: Ottawa Senators @ New York Islanders

The Ottawa Senators will now travel to Long Island to enter the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum to play the back end of their back to back games.

12-7-3, 5th Eastern Conference, L10 6-3-1

@

8-11-2, 13th Eastern Conference, L10 4-5-1

HEAD TO HEAD

This marks the second meeting between the two, Ottawa taking the first one 3-1 at Scotiabank Place. The Senators were outplayed in the first period but picked it up after that to go on to cruise to the victory. Craig Anderson played extremely well in this one and this also was a night of firsts for 3 players. Eric Gryba getting his first NHL point recording an assists along with Andre Benoit and Dave Dziurzynski getting their first NHL goal. (some may say it was Benoit’s second…)

Feb 19, 2013; Ottawa, ON, CAN; New York Islanders right wing

(13) pursues Ottawa Senators defenseman

(3) in the first period at Scotiabank Place. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports

LAST GAMES The Ottawa Senators fell to the Philadelphia Flyers 2-1. Marc Methot scored his first goal in a Senators uniform, but unfortunately that was the only bright spot in this game as the officials were to focal point of this one. As for the Islanders they hosted the Toronto Maple Leafs and were defeated 5-4 in OT. They had a hard time containing Nazem Kadri, who is having a breakout season with the Leafs.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

John Tavares, NYI –  Tavares is really impressing this year as he is showing a lot more maturity and is really coming into his own this season. He is really becoming a leader on this team and is leading by example. Look for him to lead the rush and control the play this afternoon as he is a threat.

Robin Lehner/Ben Bishop, OTT – Both of these players are the core of the Sens success. Their success usually leads to the Sens success. They control the play for Ottawa and typically are the ones that dictate the score at the end of the game. Both are playing very well in Anderson’s absence.

TOP 3 STORYLINES FOR TONIGHT’S GAME

1. Success – Will the Senators success continue versus this team? The Sens rarely are dominated by the Islanders for the exception of one season the 2008-2009 season.
2. Four – The Senators have yet to score anymore than 3 goals since the injury to Erik Karlsson. Will be interesting to see if the Sens can score 4 against a team that has been good to them in history.
3. Lehner – Will we see the young Swede start once more after a strong game against one of the top teams in the East? This is a back to back and you would think MacLean would lean his way after a strong outing and a Bishop loss.

PARTING SHOT

The Senators have yet to record a win on a Sunday matinee and generally have come out flat on the back end of back to backs. Which part of history will we see? The History this season or the history of this matchup. I wouldn’t say this is a “must win game” but it would be important to keep getting points to stay in the top 8 after only recording 1 point in the past 2 games. This is also the Sens 3rd game in 4 nights, will be interesting to see how the visiting team comes out of the gate!

I will tweet the starting lineup and also any information game related!

Enjoy the game!