Gameday Preview: Ottawa Senators @ Pittsburgh Penguins
Dec 23, 2013; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; Pittsburgh Penguins left wing Harry Zolnierczyk (39) and Ottawa Senators center Jean-Gabriel Pageau (44) in the first period at the Canadian Tire Centre. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports
The Senators meet the Penguins in what will be the first game after legendary Ottawa Senators player Daniel Alfredsson officially announced his retirement from the game.
Ottawa 10-10-5
@
Pittsburgh: 17-6-2
1:00pm
CONSOL Energy Center
Pittsburgh
TV: RDS2, TSN5; Radio: TSN 1200
MATCHUP HISTORY
This will be the first meeting of the two this season.
Last season however, Ottawa was able to take two of three away from the Pens, even though the team had quite a mediocre season.
Ottawa is coming in cold as ice. Having lost their last four, they are now sporting a .500 record. This game will be a bit of a statement to see if the Senators can reverse their fortunes of late and get back in the win column.
Pittsburgh is 2-2 in their last four, and lost winger Patrick Hornqvist to an undisclosed injury. This record belies their play however, as you can’t expect a team stacked with players like they have, and a league best power play of very nearly 30% to lose too many times.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Marc Methot – played his first game back on Thursday and should hopefully be a staple on the blue-line for a while to come. He looked a tad rusty against the Islanders, but honestly much better than many could’ve expected after not playing since April. The Senators are in dire need of his defensive prowess and hopefully he can help the team limit the shots against from a very dangerous penguins squad.
Sidney Crosby – the game’s best player was held off the scoresheet for a third game in a row when they were shutout by Vancouver last game. It’s been five years since Crosby’s gone more than 3 games without at least a point, so look for him to be gunning tonight.
TOP 3 STORYLINES
Marc the Sparc?: hopefully Methot’s return can really help get this team’s defensive game together, otherwise it’s looking to be a long season.
Line Games: Paul Maclean was lauded last game for his lineup changes last game, giving more opportunities for playing time to standout rookies Mark Stone and Mike Hoffman. While they didn’t score, the whole team seemed to play just a step better and it could be a sign that the lines are helping pick up the underachieving players (Mika Zibanejad) that get put with strong possession drivers (Hoffman) and result in a more balanced team.
Roster Issues: Ottawa currently has some injuries that are allowing them to play the squad they are without having to trade/send down any players currently with the big club. Untill this gets sorted out there are going to be a number of players that will have to prove their worth and that they shouldn’t be buried in the minors or shipped off to another city.