Preseason Gameday Preview: Ottawa @ Montreal

Last nights preseason tilt went in favour of Ottawa after a Bobby Ryan goal in Overtime. Tonight they battle it out again, with similar lineups on each side.

Ottawa: 3 – 2 – 1

 vs

Montreal: 4 – 2 – 0

Centre Bell. Montréal, PQ.

TV: RDS, TSN 5; Radio TSN 1200,

MATCHUP HISTORY

The Sens and Habs are a newly found rival. A heated 2013 playoff series and spirited matches to follow was all it took for these 2 teams to “strongly dislike” each other. The second of a home and home series comes tonight, after Ottawa took last nights game with a 4-3 OT win. Recap Here.  via Senshot/Zachary Prenner.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

P.K. Subban, MTL – after a poor outing last night, he’ll be looking to bring his team the “W”. He’ll need to stay out of the box and just play “PK” hockey.

Alex Chiasson, OTT – Chiasson has scored a goal in every game he’s suited up for as a Senator. On a 3 game scoring streak, he’ll be looked at to play the game he’s played of late and be a presence in front of the net.

UPDATE: See below, Chiasson not suiting up today.

TOP 3 STORYLINES

1. GET THE SEASON STARTED! – Preseason is fun and all but it wears, at times its boring hockey and may come as a “tease” for the regular season. With the season just around the corner fans and players are more anxious for the season than the game ahead.

2. Defence, Defence, Defence – Ottawa’s biggest problem last year. Jared Cowen had a poor game as did Chris Phillips and Cody Ceci at times. The break-out is something Ottawa needs to work on (aside from EK65) and defensive zone positioning will be looked at to be a positive as well.

3. The Rivalry – Last nights game was heated. We are not sure the lineup as of yet, but it should be a night with more of the same. Lots of #Punching. Via @Senators

UPDATE: Lineups.