Game Day – OTT @ BUF

(25-34-9, 15th East)

vs.

(33-27-8, 8th East)

The Ottawa Senators close out their successful four game road trip as they visit the Buffalo Sabres.  Winners of 3 in a row, the Senators will likely send  Craig Anderson back in the net, while the desperate Sabres will ride  Ryan Miller as much as they can for the rest of the season.  Buffalo is clinging to 8th place in the Eastern Conference, just ahead of Carolina, Toronto and Atlanta.  Ottawa, with its recent winning streak have put themselves in a position where they would pass Colorado for 28th spot in the league standings today.  All three of Ottawa’s wins on this trip have been by 2-1 scores, most recently against Tampa on Friday night.  Buffalo is coming off a 3-2 loss to the Leafs on Saturday, while Ottawa last played Friday when they defeated Tampa.

This will be the sixth and final meeting of the season between the two clubs. Despite great success against the Sabres in previous seasons, the Sabres have had the upper hand this year.  Ottawa has a 1-2-2 record against their divisional rival.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

OTTAWA

Ryan Shannon, C- With the recent departures and injuries to the Senators’ lineup, the biggest beneficiary has been Shannon.  He has moved from a 4th line spare part to second line centre who plays on the power play and kills penalties.  Shannon has 7 points in his last 9 games.

FLORIDA

Ryan Miller, G – The reigning Vezina trophy winner has had an off year this season, at least by his standards.  The workhorse in the net has a record of 29-20-7, but his GAA of 2.70 is a full half goal above the mark he set last season. His save percentage has also dropped from .929 to .912.  Miller has a career record of 13-15-2 against the Senators.

LAST 5 GAMES

THREE KEYS TO A SENATORS’ VICTORY

Early Effort – Ottawa is rested and Buffalo played last night.  Getting on them early (especially since it is a late afternoon game), and jumping into the lead will go a long way to a successful game.

Buffalo Letdown – Coming off a seven game road trip, the Sabres may show signs of the dreaded letdown that seems to plague most teams when they return home.

Patrick Kaleta – If Ottawa gets caught up chasing the Sabres’ pest around, they are in trouble.  It cost them a chance to win the last meeting, and they have to ignore him as much as possible today.

Be sure to check Senshot after the game for a complete recap.

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