Game 49 Preview: New York Rangers @ Ottawa Senators
The Ottawa Senators will look to extend their 8 game point streak on Saturday afternoon against the New York Rangers.
(25-21-3, 53 points) 3rd Metropolitan Division
VS
(21-18-9, 51 points) 5th Atlantic Division
2:00 PM
Canadian Tire Centre
TV: CBC; Radio: TSN1200
MATCHUP HISTORY
This will be the first game of the season between these two teams. They have met three times since their seven game first round playoff series in 2012. The Senators won all three of those games, winning the most recent of them by a score of 3-0.
Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports
LAST GAMES
The Senators are coming off a tough overtime loss to the Montreal Canadiens Thursday night. The Rangers beat the Red Wings 1-0 on Thursday, their fourth win in the past five games.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Brad Richards, NYR – Despite being unable to match his offensive output while a Dallas Star, Richards has been a solid player for the Rangers, though somewhat inconsistent at times. He is their leading scorer, and all eyes should be on him when the puck drops.
Clarke MacArthur, OTT – Does this guy remember who he is? He sure isn’t playing like any Clarke MacArthur that Leafs fans remember. He has 6 goals in the last 7 games, for a grand total of 17 on the season. The Rangers had better watch out, because he’s showing no signs of slowing down.
TOP 3 STORYLINES FOR THE GAME
1. Chris Neil – Chris Neil will be looking to try and return for a second time. He was a late scratch in the game on Thursday, being replaced by Matt Kassian. We’ll see how the Senators do after he is inserted back into the lineup. There were some questions whether Jason Spezza’s return would hurt the way they were playing, but evidently his return did nothing but help. Hopefully the same can be said about Neil.
2. Anderson Back In – Paul MacLean announced that Craig Anderson would be his starter on Saturday. While he has played well as of late, playing a guy who allowed 5 goals on 23 shots in his last game instead of Robin Lehner – who had a shutout in his last game – isn’t something I would do.
3. Playoff Race – The Rangers currently hold third place in their division. With a win, the Senators could move into the lower wildcat spot.
PARTING SHOT
There are still a few games left this season, but games like this are already labeled as a “must win”. I wouldn’t go so far as to say that this game is a must win, but a loss against a conference rival just a few points ahead of you can’t help.