Ottawa Senators vs Carolina Hurricanes – Game 75 Preview
The Ottawa Senators complete the back to back games with a chance to possibly jump over the New Jersey Devils and claw a couple of points closer to the elusive playoff spot.
(32-32-10, 74 points) 7th Metropolitan Division
VS
(31-29-14, 76 points) 6th Atlantic Division
7:30 PM
Canadian Tire Centre
TV: Rogers Sportsnet; RADIO: TSN1200
MATCHUP HISTORY
The Hurricanes continue to be a thorn in the side of the Senators. They have swept both previous meetings this season by scores of 4-1 and 6-3, both coming in Raleigh.
Jan 25, 2014; Raleigh, NC, USA; Carolina Hurricanes goalie
Anton Khudobin(31) makes a save in front of the Ottawa Senators forward
Clarke MacArthur(16) during the 2nd period at PNC Arena. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports
LAST GAMES
The Senators won their 2nd straight game against the Flames on Sunday night 6-3, while Carolina hurt both their own and the Senators chances by allowing Columbus to come back and beat them in overtime after leading in the third period.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Jiri Tlusty, CAR – After having a career year in last year’s shortened season, he has fallen off his pace this year, which might have seriously hurt the Canes playoff chances.
Kyle Turris, OTT – Turris took over the lead in goals for the Senators by notching his 24th and 25th goals in the Senators win against Calgary. He added an assist to continue to set career highs each game out. He now has 55 points on the season.
TOP 3 STORYLINES FOR THE GAME
1. Hanging by a Thread – Each of these teams have very, very faint playoff hopes, where the loss of a point will pretty much kill them. That should lead to desperate hockey that will be entertaining.
2. Wind Warning – It always seems like the Hurricanes have the Senators’ number. The Senators must not let that happen again or any momentum gained from the wins against Chicago and Calgary will be flushed down the drain.
3. 60 Minutes – The Senators came away with wins, but by no means did they play a full 60 minutes. The second periods have been atrocious and they can’t continue to play with fire, even though it has worked for them in the past two games.