Game Day: PIT @ OTT
1st EAST (24-10-2)VS. 10th EAST (15-17-4)
Your Ottawa Senators return to action tonight after the two-day Christmas holiday break to take on the red hot Sidney Crosby and the Pittsburgh Penguins. With Ottawa winning their last game before the break against Nashville, and getting eight points in their last six games, the Sens have gotten their game back on track somewhat. Tonight will be a huge test to see where the Sens stand in the Eastern Conference as the Pens could be a possible (if they make it) first round playoff opponent. An embarrassing loss could mean it is time for the Sens to reconsider their future plans. A win could mean the Sens have gotten over their struggles and are rounding into form.
Stopping the best player in the NHL will be the entire game plan for Ottawa tonight. Riding a 23-game point streak, where he has notched 23 goals and 21 assists, Sidney Crosby has been unstoppable for the last two months. To put it in perspective, Crosby has more goals during his point streak (23) then any Senator has points. Look for Clouston to line up Fisher or Kelly against Sid the Kid with Phillips on the back-end in his face all night. Will this stop him? The best the Sens can hope for is to contain him and limit his damage.
Look for Brian Elliott to get the start in nets with Mike Brodeur backing him up as he was called up on an emergency basis to replace still-injured Pascal Leclaire. Brian Lee is expected to play with either Carkner or Kuba sitting out.
What I will be looking for tonight will be Erik Karlsson’s reaction to Matt Cooke’s cheapshot last game on Nov. 26 where Cooke nailed him from behind.
Karlsson then gave Cooke the “I’ll get you next time” look. Classic!!!
Check back here at SenShot for a game report after the game. Enjoy the game and GO SENS GO!!!!!
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