1-0-0, T-2nd Eastern Conference

1-0-0, T-2nd Eastern Conference

7:30 PM

TV: Rogers Sportsnet,   Radio:  Team 1200

2011-12 HEAD TO HEAD

Ottawa went 3-1 against the Panthers last season, winning both home games by 4-3 scores (the second one coming in overtime).  Florida won the last meeting 4-2 on March 4th.

Feb 15, 2012; Sunrise, FL, USA; Ottawa Senators left wing Zack Smith (15) and Florida Panthers right wing Matt Bradley (22) fight during the second period at the BankAtlantic Center. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

LAST GAMES

The line of Florida newcomers Peter Mueller, Alex Kovalev and Jonathan Huberdeau combined for 7 points in the Panthers’ 5-1 win over the Carolina Hurricanes.  Jose Theodore made 41 saves in the win.  The Senators also won their opener in impressive fashion as they overcame a raucous crowd and the Jets to beat Winnipeg 4-1.  Erik Karlsson had a goal and two assists.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Brian Campbell, FLA – The former Ottawa 67′s defenseman has been paired with Filip Kuba, who helped Karlsson win a Norris last season.  The veteran Campbell is a very similar type player to Karlsson and will no doubt benefit from the steadiness of Kuba’s presence.

Daniel Alfredsson, OTT – Returning for his 18th season, the heart and soul of the Senators will no doubt get the loudest and longest ovation when the players are introduced prior to the game.  He is the anchor of the second line and provides the leadership to the young team.

TOP 3 STORYLINES FOR THE GAME

1. Harness the Energy -  The home opener will be loud and there will be a buzz in the building.  The players must find a way not to expend all their energy in the first period and find nothing left for the end of the game.

2. Welcome Back - Kovalev and Kuba will be making their returns to Ottawa as members of the Panthers.  Kovalev did play one game in Ottawa as a member of the Penguins after being dealt in February 2011.  The Senators will be looking to give them a rude welcome in terms of a loss.

3.  Calder Watch -Huberdeau and fellow rookie Jakob Silfverberg are two leading candidates for the Calder Trophy as rookie of the year.  So far, Huberdeau’s 3 points leads all rookies, even though it is very early on.  Silfverberg is still looking for his first point although he had some chances against the Jets.

PARTING SHOT

Hopefully Panthers fans don’t expect the same production from Kovalev as they got in the first game.  He is streaky at best, and not consistent whatsoever when he was a Senator.  I am not sure the KHL stint changed that.

Enjoy the game!

1.  NHL Honours – There were a number of ceremonies honouring different players and their personal accomplishments around the NHL.  In addition to Chris Phillips‘ 1,000th game, the Calgary Flames were celebrating goalie Mikka Kiprusoff’s 300th win.  The Toronto Maple Leafs honored former captain Mats Sundin and raised his jersey to the rafters (the Leafs don’t retire numbers) and the Phoenix Coyotes added Jeremy Roenick to the club’s Ring of Honour.

2. Panthers Won’t Go Away (more…)