15th East (17-30-8)VS.  15th West (16-30-8)

Your Ottawa Senators kick off Hockey Day in Canada with a Battle of the Basement this afternoon against the Edmonton Oilers. With both teams in horrible losing stretches, this game will go along way in deciding who will be last overall in the league. Since Boxing Day, both teams have lost 17 games with Ottawa going 1-17 and Edmonton 4-17.

Having lost 11 games in a row, and having just traded fan favourite Mike Fisher, this will be an emotional game for Ottawa. Add to the fact that captain Daniel Alfredsson will miss his second game in a row with a back injury, Ottawa will be playing short handed today. Brian Lee will also suit up as Matt Carkner will miss another game with an injury.

Brian Elliott  will try to break his 13 game losing streak and if he plays for the Oilers, Nikolai Khabibulin will try to break his 13 game losing streak too. So one of these goalies should have a good day.

Players To Watch

Ottawa – Jason Spezza  will be looked upon to carry this team. With Alfie out and Fisher gone, Spezza will be the leader out there on the ice. With a goal and an assist in his last three games, Spezza has looked good since coming back from his injury.

Edmonton – Taylor Hall  has scored seven points in his last eight games has has seemed to finally found his way in the league. Similar to Steven Stamkos, Hall had a slow start to his NHL career after a lot of hype before ever playing a game. But like Stamkos, Hall has learned how to play in the NHL and is now tied for the team lead in points.

Key to an Ottawa Win

Defense– every game it seems like defense is the key for Ottawa to win, and it is true. With a young Oilers team, the D-corps needs to be physical with them and intimidate them. It will be tough with Carkner out though.

Scoring– Edmonton has allowed the second most goals in the league and have trouble keeping the puck out of their net. Ottawa needs to jump on them early and pepper them with shots. Look for Spezza to carry the team offensively.

Pride – 11 losses in a row, 17 losses in their last 18, winless in February, winless on this current four game road trip, where is the pride?

If Ottawa loses this game in regulation, they will hold sole procession of last place in the NHL. This horrible week, road trip, and year will continue and will not get better any time soon. Puck drop is at 2 pm. Check back here at SenShot for a game report after the game. Enjoy the game and GO SENS GO!!!!!

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