Winnipeg Jets @ Ottawa Senators: Game Preview
The Senators have definitely been a great team to watch at home so far. I can pretty much guarantee that no one expected them to be 4-0-2 in their first 6 home games. We’ll see if they can keep it going against the Winnipeg Jets, who are 6-2-2 in their last 10.
Ottawa (7-3-2)
VS
Winnipeg (7-5-2)
7:00PM – Canadian Tire Center
TV: Rogers Sportsnet
Radio: TSN1200
Matchup History:
The Senators won both games played between these two last season. The games were won by scores of 4-3, and 5-3. If you go back even further, the Senators have a record of 7-2-0 against the Jets since their move from Atlanta.
Players to Watch:
Evander Kane, WPG – He has had his ups and downs in his career, but he is always dangerous with the puck. When he has a good game, watch out.
The Entire Kid Line, OTT – Curtis Lazar, Mike Hoffman, and Mark Stone. Before the season started, you may have had your doubts about such an inexperienced group. But now this is becoming everyone’s new favourite line. They’re picking up the slack when the team’s top 6 can’t be the puck in the net.
Top 3 Storylines:
1. Goaltending is Still… Awesome? – After last season, I doubt anyone would have believed that Craig Anderson and Robin Lehner would be arguably the best duo in the league. Everyone knows they’re good goalies, but they’ve gone above and beyond the expectations. Each of them has stolen a game or two, and we’ll see if that continues.
2. Redemption – If I had to describe Jared Cowen‘s play in the last couple of games, I would call it (I can’t believe I’m saying this) good. Especially Thursday night against the Wild. He stood out as one of the best players of that game, and I had to make sure I was seeing properly. This bit of confidence could really help him get back on track. I don’t expect him to meet his original expectations, but it’s a step in the right direction.
3. Where are They? – There are two players in particular that really have to step their game up (in my opinion, anyway). First, is Milan Michalek. 3 points in 12 games is pretty mediocre to start with, but when you add in the fact that he’s been basically invisible for the entire season, things aren’t looking good. You know who else has 3 points? Chris Neil. He also has a better +/- category. Now we move on to Bobby Ryan. He hasn’t been bad exactly, but he hasn’t been playing at a Bobby Ryan level. I’m not sure what it is, but he just hasn’t looked like himself on the ice this season. He’s going to have to turn things around soon.