Ottawa Senators vs Toronto Maple Leafs Games P3 & P4 Preview
One of the NHL’s biggest rivlaries kicks off preseason style with a simultaneous split squad double header home and home series.
VS
Game 1: 7:30 PM EST
Game 2: 7:30 PM EST
Scotia Bank Place Ottawa,Ont
Air Canada Centre Toronto,Ont
TV: TSN 5 RADIO: TSN1200
MATCHUP HISTORY
The Battle of Ontario kicks off Wednesday, September 24th. The Ottawa Senators and Toronto Maple Leafs square off in two split squad games. Ottawa lost the season series last year. The Senators went 1-1-2 last year, with two losses coming via the shoot out. The Senators need to do their best to limit Phil Kessel. Kessel put up 7 points against the Senators last year. The Senators need to play disciplined, and avoid going to the penalty box.
LAST GAMES
Ottawa Senators 2-3(SO) New York Islanders
Toronto Maple Leafs 4-0 Philadelphia Flyers
PLAYERS TO WATCH – There are many players to watch in the two games. Young guns such as Mark Stone and Curtis Lazar, as well as established stars such as Bobby Ryan and Erik Karlsson. The Leafs showcase talent such as Phil Kessel and James Van Riemysdyk. Both Ottawa and Toronto will see their fair share of established NHL talent, as well as up and coming players looking to make an impact in the NHL.
Game 1
Senators – The Senators will ice a lineup that will include Craig Anderson and Chris Driedger as the goalies. The defence features Erik Karlsson, Marc Methot, Eric Gryba, Mark Borowiecki, Chris Wideman, Fredrik Claesson, Michael Sdao and Patrick Mullen.
The forwards will be Bobby Ryan, Chris Neil, David Legwand, Curtis Lazar, Kyle Turris, Clarke MacArthur, Colin Greening, Brad Mills, Matt Puempel, Jakub Culek, Alex Guptill, Carter Camper, Buddy Robinson, Derek Grant and Garrett Thompson.
Leafs- The Leafs could have stars such as Nazim Kadri, David Booth, and young defense man Morgan Reilly. Benier, Gibson or Heeter could be in net.
Game 2
Senators – The Senators could feature Mike Hoffman, Mika Zibanejad, Jared Cowen, Robin Lehmer and Jean-Gabriel Pageau.
Leafs- The Leafs could have stars such as James Van Riemsdyk, Joffrey Lupil and Phil Kessel. James Reimer is expected to start between the pipes.
TOP 3 STORYLINES FOR THE GAMES
1. Make an Impact – This statement was made in the last pre-season match up. It is very true in all preseason games. It is imperative for young guns like Curtis Lazar, Matt Puempel and anyone else bordering on a roster spot to have a good game. Pre-season performance can be the difference between playing with the Ottawa Senators, versus playing with the Binghamton Senators.
2. Limit Penalties – The Senators lead the league 5 on 4 power play chances against. It would be good to see the Senators stay out of the box, and take a more disciplined approach to the upcoming season. Everything starts in the pre-season, they need to make a commitment to stay out of the box starting now.
3. Solid Goaltending – Who will be the number one goaltender by the end of the season? It is important for both Craig Anderson and Robin Lehner to provide a solid presence in the net. It is most likely Craig Anderson’s starting job to lose. It would be amazing to see solid performance from both goaltenders on Wednesday night.
ENJOY WATCHING/LISTENING TO THE GAMES!