Ottawa Senators @ Chicago Blackhawks: Game 7 Preview
Following a 3-2 overtime loss to the Devils the night before, the Senators head to the Windy City to take on the Blackhawks.
Ottawa: 4-1-1-0
Chicago: 4-2-1-0
MATCHUP HISTORY
This is the first meeting of the year between the Blackhawks and Senators. Last season, the Senators split their two games against the Chicago. They fell 6-5 on October 29th, 2o13 in Chicago, but won 5-3 on March 28th, 2014 with Kyle Turris notching the winning goal. Clarke MacArthur lead the Sens in points against the Hawks with 1 goal and 4 assists while Jonathan Toews led the way for Chicago with 3 goals and 2 assists.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Marian Hossa, CHI – The former Senator loves playing against the team that signed and then immediately traded him back in 2005. Last season, he scored 2 goals and 4 points against them. In 17 career games against Ottawa, Hossa has scored 7 goals and 25 points.
Mika Zibanejad, OTT – Zibanejad has had a slow start to the season with no points in the first 6 games of the season. Ottawa needs him to start producing if they hope to stay in the playoff race throughout the season. Is this the game he finally breaks out? In two career games against the Blackhawks, he’s scored one goal.
TOP 3 STORYLINES
1. REBOUND ON THE ROAD – The Sens lost a close game the night after an emotional ceremony to honour the victims of the recent tragic events in Ottawa and St-Jean-sur-Richileau. With a game under their belt after a long layoff, the Sens need to get back into a rhythm and a back-to-back situation is a great way to do that even if it is a trial by fire.
2. SECOND LINE CONSISTENCY – Bobby Ryan and Alex Chiasson each scored last night, with the former getting an assist as well. Ottawa needs them to continue to produce, along with Zibanejad. Coach Paul MacLean has been patient by keeping the trio together, and they’ve had chances, but if Zibanejad can’t start producing then it may be time to try someone else between the two wingers.
3. FACING AN ELITE TEAM – While the Senators have a very respectable record to date, they haven’t faced many of the NHL’s upper echelon teams. In fact, Tampa Bay is the only opponent they’ve played who is expected to contend for a division title. Chicago will be a great test for these Sens to see if they’ve truly returned to their “pesky” form.
PROJECTED LINEUPS
Still to come.
Thanks for reading, and enjoy the game.