Ottawa Senators vs Chicago Blackhawks – Game 73 Preview
The Defending Stanley Cup Champions make their lone appearance in Ottawa this season, and they will be an ornery bunch as they suffered a big loss on Thursday.
(42-17-15, 99 points) 2nd Central Division
VS
(29-29-14, 72 points) 6th Atlantic Division
7:30 PM
SCOTIABANK PLACE
TV: Rogers Sportsnet; RADIO: TSN1200
MATCHUP HISTORY
This is the second of two meetings between the clubs. Chicago won a high scoring tilt 6-5 back in Chicago on October 29th.
Oct 29, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Blackhawks center Jonathan Toews (19) scores a goal past Ottawa Senators goalie Craig Anderson (41) during the third period at the United Center. The Chicago Blackhawks defeated the Ottawa Senators 6-5. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports
LAST GAMES
Ottawa finished a 3 game road trip with a 3-2 shootout loss to the Florida Panthers on Tuesday night, while the Hawks fell 3-0 in a rematch of last year’s Stanley Cup final against the Bruins in Benatown.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Marian Hossa, CHI – The former Senator will be counted on to even increase the offensive output down the stretch with the loss of Kane. This is his 13th 20 goal season in the NHL, and he sits with 26 so far this year.
Mark Stone, OTT – Stone notched his second career NHL goal against the Panthers, as a replacement in the lineup for Ryan. He will be given a nice audition for the rest of the season in Ryan’s absence.
TOP 3 STORYLINES FOR THE GAME
1. Century Club – With a win (or OT loss) the Hawks will reach the 100 point plateau for the second time in 3 years, but would be the 3rd straight year if not for the lockout (they won the President’s Trophy in the shortened season.
2. Falling Stars – Both teams are without their best goal scorers. Bobby Ryan will miss the rest of the season with a sports hernia for the Senators, while Patrick Kane is out with a leg injury for another couple of weeks.
3. Battle of the Backups – With Chicago playing last night, look for a Corey Crawford night of rest with Antti Raanta likely getting the call against Robin Lehner, who has played well in the last 3 games for the Senators.