Columbus @ Ottawa Senators; Game Day Preview

After two straight losses, the Ottawa Senators look to bounce back against the Columbus Blue Jackets, whom they have beaten twice this year.

22-25-3

Columbus Blue Jackets

20-21-9

Ottawa Senators

7:00 EST

Canadian Tire Centre, Ottawa

TV: Sportsnet, TVA Sports

MATCHUP HISTORY

The Senators and Blue Jackets met twice earlier in the year, and Ottawa came out victorious both times with scores of 3-2 and 5-2, respectively. However, Columbus was decimated by injuries earlier in the year and Ottawa certainly looked like a much better team at that point. While the Blue Jackets certainly will not make the playoffs, they are better than they were in October.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Ryan Johansen, CBJ- The more I watch him, the more I amazing I think he is. He had another three points last night, and now he is just a shade under a point a game at 48 points in 50 games. These last two years he’s shed the “bust” label that was unjustly put on him just a couple of years after he was drafted, and he’s become one of the most talented centres in the game. If Columbus is having a big night offensively, you can bet that Johansen will be part of it.

Chris Neil, OTT- Now this might seem like an odd choice, but let me explain. Neil’s name has been in the rumour mill for a while now, and it seems as if he may be willing to waive his no-trade clause. However, just because various teams around the league want to acquire him, doesn’t mean that he is any better of a player in Dave Cameron‘s eyes. He has had very minimal ice-time since his return, playing just 6:29, by far the least on the team. It’ll be interesting if this is a constant trend with Cameron and his usage of Neil.

More from Editorials

THREE KEYS TO THE GAME

1. Early lead- Columbus just played a game last night at home against St. Louis, and it won’t be easy travelling to Ottawa the next day to play another game. Getting an early lead could be substantial for Ottawa because (despite their abysmal record when scoring first), Columbus may be gassed by the third period and holding a lead could be much easier.

2. Release the Lehner- Robin Lehner‘s struggles this season have been well-documented, and if he’s still the goalie of the future he needs to play better. Thursday against the Capitals was a step in the right direction allowing only two goals, but he still needs a longer stretch of brilliance. Back to back good games could be huge for his confidence.

3. Pepper the net- With Sergei Bobrovsky injured and Curtis McElhinney playing last night, as of the time of publication rookie goalie Anton Forsberg is expected to be between the pipes. While he has been very good in the SHL and AHL, he has been terrible in the first three games of his career, posting a .861% save percentage. Obviously he’s better than he has shown so far, but perhaps he still has some nerves in him. If Ottawa peppers the net with as many shots as possible from wherever that could be a recipe for success.

At this point in the season, this game doesn’t mean too much. However, for those of you who want the team to get a high draft pick, then Columbus is the team that would need to pass Ottawa. It’s sad to think in those terms, but you always have to be realistic.

Home/Editorials