vs.
(26-36-9, 15th East)
The Ottawa Senators face the Tampa Bay Lightning for the second time in just over a week, after the Senators defeated the Lightning 2-1 in Tampa last Friday. The win was Curtis McElhinney‘s first game as a Senator, and he will likely get the call again with Craig Anderson missing practice Friday with the nagging lower body injury. The Senators are coming off a well deserved 3-1 win over the New Jersey Devils while Tampa fell 3-2 to Montreal in overtime.
This is the third of four meetings between the clubs, as they will meet for a third time this month later on in Tampa. Both games were low scoring 2-1 affairs, with each team winning once. Tampa is pretty much resigned to 4th or 5th place in the conference, as Washington’s recent hot streak has distanced themselves in the Southeast Division. These are the games they need to win if they want to get home ice advantage in the first round of the playoffs.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
TAMPA BAY
Vincent Lecavalier, C- The former first overall pick has picked it up after a sluggish start to the season. Has been playing on a line with fellow stars Steven Stamkos and Martin St. Louis of late, which has contributed to his recent success. Escaped supplementary discipline after receiving a five minute major and a game misconduct for slashing Montreal defenseman PK Subban on Thursday night.
OTTAWA
Curtis McElhinney, G – Has taken advantage of Craig Anderson’s injury. McElhinney has made 77 saves on 81 shots as a Senator, going 2-1, having been saddled with the loss against Buffalo after coming in to relieve Anderson. Is in the final year of his contract, so he is also playing for a job somewhere in the league next season.
LAST 5 GAMES
| TB | OTT | |
| RECORD | 2-1-2 | 3-2-0 |
| GOALS FOR | 15 | 12 |
| GOALS AGAINST | 12 | 14 |
| PP | 6/20 (30.0%) | 5/21 (23.8%) |
| PK | 16/17 (94.1%) | 17/19 (89.5%) |
THREE KEYS TO A SENATORS’ VICTORY
Home Crowd – The Senators are finally giving the faithful something to cheer about, the key is to get them on their side early and keep them there. An honest, hardworking effort is all the fans demand right now.
Defensive Play – Chris Phillips and Brian Lee will be tasked with shutting down the Lightning’s big 3. They did an admirable job last week, and the same is expected this time around. It should be easier for Corey Clouston to get the matchup he wants at home.
Focus – Tampa is ending a 4 game road trip and will be looking forward to getting home. They may look past the Senators, and Ottawa should use this to their advantage early on.
Be sure to check Senshot after the game for a complete recap.
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