Gameday Preview: Game #23 Ottawa Senators @ Detroit Red Wings
By Alex Swift
The Ottawa Senators (8-10-4) crawl into Motown to face the Detroit Red Wings (10-6-7) following 3 straight losses to Colombus, Philadelphia and Minnesota. Ottawa started the game against the Philadelphia Flyers well, but cracked after a no-goal by Kyle Turris. The team brought a much better effort in their game against the Minn
esota Wild, outshooting their opponents for what seemed like the first time all season. Detroit comes in after getting only their second win in November, defeating the Carolina Hurricanes 4-3. Both teams look to bounce back from recent struggles, so this is either going to be a snoozer, or a wild game.
10-6-7, 4th Atlantic Division
Vs.
8-10-4, 6th Atlantic Division
7:00 PM, Joe Louis Arena
CBC, TSN 1200
Season Series
Ottawa won the only game these two have played so far, a 6-1 win also at the Joe Louis Arena. Bobby Ryan and Jason Spezza both had 2 goals, while Erik Karlsson and Kyle Turris both had 2 assists, as Craig Anderson got the win. Player #11 was held off the scoresheet. After this game, the teams will play two more games against each other, both at The Wheelhouse in Ottawa, first on December 1st, and then on February 27th.
Players to Watch
Mika Zibanejad, OTT- Saw some practice time opposite Milan Michalek on Spezza’s wing, if he can get some significant game time with the two, we should see some magic. DJ Zbad had a goal and an assist against Minnesota, and was starting to see some PP2 time, despite his relative lack of minutes (only played 5:40 through the first 2 periods).
Niklas Kronwall, DET- The heir to the Lidstrom throne in Detroit hasn’t struggled, but also hasn’t played up to the standard Lidstrom provided. He’s sound defensively, and can also help lead Detroit’s breakout. The Kron-Wall has 2 goals and 11 assists in 21 games this year, after getting 29 points in 48 games last year. If Ottawa can get him to crack, look for some scoring from the boys.
3 Storylines for the Game
1. Can Ottawa regain their confidence? You saw them completely crack after the no-goal against Philly, and then, despite outshooting the Wild, couldn’t finish off a game where they played extremely well. Can Ottawa play physically and with confidence? Or will they come out of the gate flat, and not be able to muster enough attack to combat Detroit’s potent offense?
2. Ottawa vs. the Atlantic Division. Ottawa is 5-0-1 against their own division, and 3-7-3 against the rest of the league. Can they continue to dominate their own division? If they can, it certainly helps their playoff hopes. Dominating the East, and their division especially, will give Ottawa tie breakers that they’re going to need when it comes down to it.
3. Revenge Game. Ottawa came into Motown a month ago and wiped the floor with Detroit. What seemed like a turnaround game for the Ottawa Senators season was just another bump in this up and down season. But you can bet the Red Wings have remembered that game, and don’t expect them to get blown out in their own arena again. Look for them to put pressure on Ottawa early, getting out to that all-to-common 2-0 lead against the Senators.
Parting Shot
Ottawa hasn’t done much since the last time these two played, but then again, neither has Detroit. Two teams that are playing below expectations, it’s quickly becoming too late for these teams to kick it into high gear. Ottawa desperately needs a win here, to try and create some momentum and show themselves that they can win games they play well in. Player #11 will not dress, due to a nagging groin injury. Go Sens Go!