13th East (17-25-8)VS.15th East (16-30-3)
Your Ottawa Senators return to action tonight to play out the remaining 32 games of their horrible season. Coming in on a six game losing streak, and having lost 12 of their last 13 games, you would think having the worst team in the NHL as your opponent would mean an easy two points. But the New Jersey Devils have turned things around and have been one of the hottest teams going into the All-Star break having won six of their last eight. games.
What does this mean for the game tonight? Well the Devils have returned to the only winning formula they know- the Trap – it’s a trap!! If the Senators let in an early goal, or if the game is close, prepare for some old-fashioned boring hockey with the Devils not skating past the red line. And with Jason Spezza not ready to return just yet, and the Sens having trouble finding the back of the net (they have only scored 22 goals in their last 13 games), this game could be a snooze fest.
On the other hand, the Devils have scored 29 goals over their current hot streak in their last eight games, and the Sens have allowed 50 goals during their last 13 games. This game could also turn into another blowout loss for the Sens. But coming off the All-Star break where most players took some vacation time (especially players from these two dreadful teams), expect the game to be slow paced as most players didn’t skate all weekend.
Ottawa has called up goalie Robin Lehner and rookie forward Colin Greening to dress tonight. Audition time has begun in Ottawa and management wants to know what they have in the system. Lehner will get his second NHL start as he won his first against the Islanders a few weeks back.
Colin Greening is a 24 yr old, first year pro who has 12 goals and 32 points in 48 AHL games this season with Binghamton. The 6’3″ 211 lbs forward will suit up for his first NHL game on the fourth line tonight and will probably be moved up and down the roster to see what he’s got.
Jesse Winchester will sit this one out due to personal matters as the Sens will go with seven defensemen. Brian Lee‘s road to redemption continues.
Players to Watch
Ottawa – Nick Foligno has been on a mission lately. With six points in his last seven games, Foligno is making the case that he belongs in the future plans of this team. Skating hard and using his body, Foligno is looking like the player everybody thought he would be at the beginning of the year.
New Jersey – Patrik Elias is leading the charge back to respectability for the Devils. With ten points in his last eight games, Elias is fresh off his All-Star appearance and ready to continue his hot streak.
Keys to an Ottawa Victory
Goaltending –with Lehner in nets tonight, hopefully he can stand on his head and give the team solid goaltending. 50 goals in the last 13 games is embarrassing. This is Lehner’s chance to make a name for himself.
Defence – with 50 goals allowed in their last 13 games, and with NJ on an offensive outburst their last eight games, Ottawa’s D-corps will need to be at their best.
Pride – with only 32 games left in the season, will the Sens show pride and show up, or will they just play out the string?
Check back here at SenShot for a game report after the game. Enjoy the game and GO SENS GO!!!!!
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