Ottawa Senators vs Calgary Flames- Game 74 Preview
The Ottawa Senators take the ice late Sunday afternoon trying to keep in the periphery of the playoff race after losing ground to 2 teams in the race by being inactive on Saturday.
(31-36-7, 69 points) 6th Pacific Division
VS
(30-29-14, 74 points) 6th Metropolitan Division
5:00 PM
Canadian Tire Centre
TV: Rogers Sportsnet; RADIO: TSN1200
MATCHUP HISTORY
This is the second and last meeting of the season between the clubs. The first game earlier this month was really the game where Ottawa fans came to the realization that this wasn’t a playoff team as the Flames’ 4-1 win on trade deadline day put the Senators 0 for Alberta.
Mar 5, 2014; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Ottawa Senators goalie
Craig Anderson(41) makes a save as Calgary Flames right wing
Brian McGrattan(16) tries to score during the third period at Scotiabank Saddledome. Calgary Flames won 4-1. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports
LAST GAMES
Ottawa had a fortunate performance but a win nonetheless as they beat the defending Stanley Cup Champion Chicago Blackhawks 5-3 on Friday night. The Flames upended the Rangers 4-3 on Friday night in Calgary before heading on the road.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Mark Giordano, CGY – One of the more under-appreciated goalies in the game, captain Giordano is second on the club in scoring with 44 points in 56 games. That is good for 9th among all defensemen, despite playing far fewer games than anyone around him.
Milan Michalek, OTT- Playing some of his best hockey of the season, has 5 points in his last 6 games, but is still a -3, which pretty much sums up his and the Senators’ season. Likely in the home stretch of his Senators’ career, as the impending UFA will not likely be brought back in the summer.
TOP 3 STORYLINES FOR THE GAME
1. Playing Spoiler – The Flames have been pretty good lately with the pressure off. They have beat some really good teams like the Ducks, Stars and Rangers. They also spoiled Ottawa’s playoff hopes earlier this month.
2. One Game At A Time – The Senators pretty much need to run the table, but can’t look at it that way, as Craig Anderson said as reported by NHL.com. They need to focus on this game and only this one and get 2 points today.
3. No Revenge – While some would saw that the Senators are looking to avenge the loss earlier this month, a win would be satisfying but do nothing to change the earlier result or the impact of that loss on the team. The Sens can’t worry about that loss any more, and must put it behind them.