Ottawa Senators Require Two Points To Keep Pace With Penguins
By Jack Leiper
Ottawa is set to take on the struggling Penguins that requires two points to keep pace. The Senators have had some individual struggles of their own, with Bobby Ryan leading the bunch as he hasn’t played up to standards in over 15 games.
Look for Ryan, as well as Ottawa’s big guns in Mark Stone, Erik Karlsson and Kyle Turris to contribute if the Senators are to overcome the Penguins and move much closer to a playoff spot.
Ottawa Senators
40-26-13
vs.
Pittsburgh Penguins
42-26-11
Game Time: 7:30pm EST
Canadian Tire Centre
TV: RDS, TSN 5
Matchup History
This is the third and final matchup between these cross-conference opponents. Ottawa has lacked success vs Pittsburgh, falling in a shootout earlier in February and surrendering a late, go-ahead goal to Christian Ehrhoff back in December.
The Senators look to make this their only win vs Pittsburgh this season as a crucial match is ahead.
Players To Watch
Bobby Ryan, OTT – Ryan has been as cold as cold gets. He hasn’t contributed in 15 games or so as this Senators team has pulled the weight with Bobby not contributing. Look for Ryan to be a storyline heading into tonight, as he needs to get back on track to end the season in a positive manner.
Sidney Crosby, PIT – it’s certainly the easy choice, as “Sid the Kid” is still the NHL’s most dominant player, 10 years after his career began. Crosby stayed behind in the points leader race most of the way through this season but picked it up a month or so ago and continues to lead the NHL in points by a slim margin.
Three Keys To The Game
1. Special Teams – This is always a key to the game, let’s be honest here. The Senatora face a must-win situation tonight if they are to make the playoffs. Only 3 games remain and if special teams are as important as they proved to be in the Washington game, Ottawa will need to dominate the PP and PK in order to hold pace
2. Don’t Sit Back – Let’s say the Ottawa Senators get off to a nice lead. Do they sit back and let the opposing team tie it up, as per usual? Hopefully not. But if the Senators find themselves with a lead, it will be key to remain calm and continue to keep pressure. Don’t sit back, don’t be lazy.
3. Goaltending – It was said after last night’s game that Andrew Hammond may have had one of his best games of the season, and for a goalie with a 16-1-2 record, that’s saying something. Hammond will need to keep the Senators in it as they face a struggling Pens squad hungry for offence.
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