Game Day: Montreal Canadiens @ Ottawa Senators
Friday, March 16th, 2012
7:00 pm
CBC, Team 1200
15th East (28-32-11)@7th East (36-25-10)
The Montreal Canadiens visit the Ottawa Senators to complete the home and home series. Montreal came away with the first game at home, winning 3-2 in the shootout. Ottawa hopes to rebound tonight in order to have any chance of passing Boston. However, they will have to beat the pesky Habs team that has dominated them so far this season, winning 3/4 meetings thus far.
The Canadiens’ leading scorer is the reinvigorated Max Pacioretty with 58 points (30G 28A). Close behind him is David Desharnais with 55 points (16G 39A). Desharnais was the offensive star for the Habs in their last meeting, getting a goal along with the shootout winner. Despite playing on the worst team in the East, Carey Price still has all star numbers posting a 2.44 GAA along with a .914 SV%. Montreal has yet to announce their starter, but I would expect to see Price in nets. He will be facing off against Ben Bishop for the Sens.
Senators forward Jesse Winchester (concussion) and Peter Regin (shoulder) remain out with injuries. As well, Bobby Butler, Zenon Konopka, and Matt Carkner will likely remain healthy scratches. For the Habs their injury list is quite extensive, with Alexei Emelin, Scott Gomez, Raphael Diaz, Brian Gionta, Mike Blunden, Travis Moen, and Mathieu Darche all out with various injuries.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Jason Spezza, C (OTT) – Had two assists in Montreal, but didn’t quite look right on the ice playing some sloppy hockey. Will he look more like his dominant self tonight?
Erik Cole, C (MTL) – Put up a goal against the Sens in Montreal and produced chances every shift. He’s definitely one the Sens will be keeping an eye on.
THINGS TO WATCH FOR
1. Rob Klinkhammer Still Alive – Now that Klinkhammer has played 5 NHL games, Chicago gets Ottawa’s 7th round pick in 2013. Does this indicate Ottawa plans on carrying him on the roster heading into the playoffs? If he continues to produce chances on the 2nd line I would say so.
2. Bishop Time? – Ben Bishop continues to get the starts for Ottawa and in 4 games has yet to have a regulation loss. Whether or not he will get the start on Saturday may come down to his performance in this game.
3. EK65 Going For 80 – Erik Karlsson scored in Montreal giving him 70 points. If he can reach the 80 point mark, that could definitely get the media’s attention when it comes to choosing the Norris winner.
Be sure to check back here on SenShot for a complete recap after the game. GO SENS GO!!!
______________________________________________________________________________
Thanks for reading and as always, comments are welcomed.
Can’t get enough of SenShot? Here are more ways to get the most info about your Ottawa Senators.
You can follow us on Twitter: Jared @alfieisgod, Brandy @brandychadala, Kevin @sensforlife11 and KTM on the B-Sens @Ktmonthebsens.
Visit our SenShot Facebook Page. Like us and post comments, photos and videos.
Please visit our NHL Main Page: Too Many Men On The Site.