Ottawa Senators vs Winnipeg Jets: Game 64 Preview
The Ottawa Senators look to salvage a .500 record on a very disappointing road trip that saw them drop both ends of a trip through Alberta. Now sitting 6 back of the Wild Card spot held by Detroit, this is as must win a game as there has been all season.
(27-25-11, 65 pts) 6th Atlantic Division
VS
(30-27-7, 67 pts) 6th Central Division
3:00 PM EST
MTS CENTRE
TV: CBC; RADIO: TSN1200
MATCHUP HISTORY
This is the second and final meeting of the season between the teams. Ottawa won the first meeting 4-3 on home ice. Mika Zibanejad, Milan Michalek, Zack Smith, and Clarke MacArthur scored for Ottawa while Craig Anderson made 32 saves.
Jan 2, 2014; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; Ottawa Senators defenseman Marc Methot (3) shoots the puck as Winnipeg Jets center Bryan Little (18) moves in during the first period at the Canadian Tire Centre. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports
LAST GAMES
Ottawa is coming off of one of its most disappointing games of the season, and that says something. The Flames, with nothing to play for humbled the Senators by the score of 4-1 on Wednesday night. Winnipeg fell to the Los Angeles Kings 3-1 on Thursday in Winnipeg.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Jared Cowen, OTT – Has three games in the press box had any effect on the struggling Cowen? He will get back into the lineup in place of Patrick Wiercioch and needs to simplify his game and not try to do too much to stay in the rotation.
Evander Kane, WPG – The speedy power forward has 3 assists to show for his last 5 games, but has 16 shots on goal in that time. He hasn’t scored a goal since Jauary 21st, so you know he is due soon. Has 6 points in 15 career games against Ottawa.
TOP 3 STORYLINES FOR THE GAME
1. Bonded?: The team stopped in Banff for a team bonding session after their game in Calgary, but the big news yesterday was the tussle between Chris Neil and Cowen. Did this bring the team together at a time where they need to go on an incredible run?
2. No Mac: Clarke MacArthur injured his hand in the Calgary game and missed the third period. He will not play in this game, forcing yet another lineup shuffle.
3. Same Situation: The Jets and Senators each find themselves close, but not quite in the playoff picture. A loss in this game would be devastating to either team, and that should make for some playoff intensity. Spell that!