Game 2 Preview: The Battle Of Ontario

After a wild 1-0 win for The Senators in their season opener last night, The Leafs are next up on the road trip. The Senators head into Toronto playing their second game of a back to back situation, that has a familiar ring to it. Ottawa will be hoping to write off the dominance that The Leafs had over them last season with a 1-4 record, against the Ontario rivals in 2012/13.

Sep 24, 2013; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Ottawa Senators forward

(7) defends against Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman

(3) during the second period at the Air Canada Centre. Ottawa defeated Toronto 3-2. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports

(1-0-0) 2PTS

T 3rd ATLANTIC DIVISION

VS

(2-0-0) 4PTS

T 1st ATLANTIC DIVISION

7:00PM

AIR CANADA CENTER

TV STATION: CBC

RADIO: TSN1200

LAST SEASON MATCHUP: As mentioned The Senators Lost 4 of the 5 games against The Leafs Last Season and were outscored heavily 18-8. Ottawa’s lone win against The Leafs last year came on a late 3rd period goal by Colin Greening.

LAST GAMES: The Leafs opened their season undefeated at 2-0 winning their second game against The Philadelphia Flyers 3-1, a game that they owed to their goaltender Jonathan Bernier who made 32 saves while only allowing 1 goal. The Senators are coming off a similar game that was won by great goaltending against the Buffalo Sabres, Craig Anderson made 35 saves as he and Ryan Miller both had unbelievable nights. The Senators finished off the Sabres on a late third period goal from Erik Karlsson.

PLAYERS TO WATCH:

Clarke MacArthur, OTT: Friend of the enemy, MacArthur achieved his first point as a Senator in the season opener last night, setting up Erik Karlsson on the only goal. MacArthur looked great in his debut and will undoubtedly be looking to cash in against his former linemates.   

Nazem Kadri, TOR: Kadri has struggled in the early going of this season and knowing Randy Carlyle Kadri could become the best 3rd liner in hockey if he doesn’t pick up his game. Look for him to bounce back against The Senators, a team he saw great success against last year.

TOP 3 STORYLINES

1. FORMER LEAF/NEW SENATOR? It’s not too often you hear that, but as mentioned Clarke MacArthur will be the big storyline Saturday night returning to face his former team from the other side of the battle of Ontario.

2. TOP LINE: The Senators big line will continue to be a “big” storyline until they can break the ice. Considered to be potentially one of the best lines in the league Jason Spezza, Bobby Ryan and Milan Michalek looked very dangerous at times in their first game but could not finish.

3. SPECIAL TEAMS: The Sens and Leafs were 1 and 2 last season on the Penalty Kill at 88% and 87.9% respectively. Both teams would like to continue their success 1-man short and rebound while on the Power Play. This season The Leafs are 2 for 9 and The Sens are 0 for 3 while 1-man up. Special teams can be a deciding factor in tonight’s games.

PARTING SHOT:

If The Senators create as many chances tonight as they did last night they should like their result at the end of the game, that is unless they give up as many chances as they did last night. The first Battle of Ontario will be every bit as important in the early stages of the season as these two Atlantic Division Rivals both hope to remain unbeaten and score points early.