Game 62 Preview: Ottawa Senators vs Edmonton Oilers
After a much needed win in the Heritage Classic against the Canucks, the Ottawa Senators head Northeast for another almost must win game on the eve of the trade deadline.
(27-23-11, 65 pts) 6th Atlantic Division, 11th Eastern Conf.
VS
(20-34-8, 48 pts) 7th Pacific Division, 14th Western Conf.
9:30 PM EST
REXALL PLACE
TV: ROGERS SPORTSNET; RADIO: TSN1200
MATCHUP HISTORY
The Senators have pretty much owned the Oilers despite losing to them 3-1 at Canadian Tire Centre earlier this season in the lone meeting of these teams. Ottawa has won 8 of the last 11 matchups since the 2004-05 lockout.
Oct 19, 2013; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; Edmonton Oilers centre Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (93) shoots the empty net goal while Ottawa Senators left wing Milan Michalek (9) tries to block the shot in the third period at the Canadian Tire Centre. The Oilers defeated the Senators 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports
LAST GAMES
Ottawa fell behind early 2-0 to the Canucks, but came back to take the game 4-2 on Sunday evening. Edmonton has lost their last 3 games, the most recent coming on Saturday night, a 2-1 OT loss to the Calgary Flames.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Chris Phillips, OTT – Will this be the final game for the Big Rig in a Senators’ uniform? Or could he even be dealt before this game happpens? Those questions will abound all day and leading to tomorrow’s trade deadline. This will be in front of the closest team to his hometown of Fort McMurray.
Ben Scrivens, EDM – The former Leafs goalie signed a 2 year extension on Monday. He currently leads all qualifying goalies with a save percentage of .934. He has a record of 3-4-0 since being acquired by the Oilers.
TOP 3 STORYLINES FOR THE GAME
1. Nervous Night – Many players will have their attention diverted with the trade deadline looming. The Senators cannot get distracted because they are walking the fine line between contender and pretender for a playoff spot. A loss puts them in seller mode, while a win reinforces their chances and they could decide to add.
2. These Are The Games You Need To Win – If the Senators do harbor any hope of making the playoffs, they must win this game. They are facing a bottom-dwelling team and to get swept in the season series against that team, they shouldn’t be in the playoffs anyway.
3. Anderson – Craig Anderson had a solid game in the Heritage Classic after a shaky start. He needs to do that consistently (minus the start) every night for the remainder of the season. No more bad goals.