Game Day: Tampa Bay Lightning @ Ottawa Senators

Thursday, January 5th, 2011

7:30 pm

Sportsnet, Team 1200

12th East (17-18-3)@ 6th East (20-15-5)

The Ottawa Senators host the struggling Tampa Bay Lightning in tonight’s game. The Bolts are coming off a 7-3 loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs that has pushed them further out of a playoff position in the Eastern Conference.  The Sens on the other hand are riding high after erasing a two goal deficit to defeat the New Jersey Devils 3-2 in OT. This is the second meeting between these clubs, with Ottawa coming away with a 4-2 victory the last time they met. Ottawa is hoping to continue their three game winning streak and further their hold on a playoff position with a win today.

Tampa Bay is led in scoring by none other than Steven Stamkos who sits at 44 points (27G, 17A). Behind him are the two other stars of this team, Martin St. Louis with 31 points (10G, 21A) and Vincent Lecavalier with 26 points (14G, 12A). After an impressive season last year, goaltender Dwayne Roloson has struggled thus far. He currently sports an ugly 3.81 GAA along with a .882 SV%. He will be looking to rebound tonight as he takes on Craig Anderson for Ottawa.

Jesse Winchester (consussion), Chris Phillips (concussion), and Peter Regin (shoulder) all remain out with injuryes. For Tampa Bay, Ryan Malone is DTD with a lower body injury, Victor Hedman is out with a consussion, as well as ex-Senator Ryan Shannon with a knee sprain.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Kyle Turris, C (OTT) – Still looking for his first goal as a Senator. It’s only a matter of time before it comes while he’s playing alongside Daniel Alfredsson.

Steven Stamkos, C (TB) – The leading scorer of the Lightning is always the player to watch. If he gets any open space on the ice with the puck it will more than likely end up in your net. You know Paul MacLean will be making sure his players pay close attention to him tonight.

THINGS TO LOOK OUT FOR

1. Time For A Lead? – Although the Sens are on a 3 game winning streak they have held the lead for 0:00 of that streak. Will that change this game or will Ottawa continue to be the cardiac kids.

2. Captain Clutch – With 2 GWG (both in OT) and a shootout goal in the last 3 games, Alfredsson has been the definition of clutch. What more does he have in store for the home crowd tonight?

3. 9MM – Since coming back from his concussion, Milan Michalek has yet to register a goal. If he can get going again the Sens may be a force to be reckoned with.

Be sure to check back here on SenShot for a complete recap after the game. GO SENS GO!!!

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