The Ottawa Senators and Toronto Maple Leafs meet tonight to rekindle the Battle for Ontario.
Ottawa: 7-3-3
6:00pm
Canadian Tire Centre
Ottawa
TV: Sportsnet 1, Radio: TSN 1200, Streaming on Gamecenter GamePlus, TSN 5
Matchup History
The two rival clubs were supposed to play each other two weeks ago, but due to the tragic shooting in Ottawa that day, and the uncertainty around what had unfurled, the game was postponed.
This will be the first time this season the two teams meet, but pogoing back to last season comes in currently on top, notching a 1-0 decision as part of a five game win streak to end the 2013/14 campaign.
Last Games
Both teams played last night, and it’s not too often two teams that are facing each other are both on the second night of back to back games. The Sens may have an advantage though as both games are part of a four game homestand and as such they don’t have the burden of travel to deal with.
Ottawa is coming off a shootout loss to Winnipeg just last night, and the Leafs a win over the New York Rangers. Currently the Senators are one point ahead of the Leafs in the standings with one game in hand.
Players to Watch
Bobby Ryan – looking for more out of him for this game. So far this season Ryan has just three goals and seven points, which is not nearly good enough for a player of his calibre. I hope he takes advantage of Sunday being a big game for the Sens and decides to show up strong and on the scoresheet.
Phil Kessel – simply put, when he scores the Leafs win. This season has been turbulent already for the Leafs, and part of that is inconsistent secondary scoring. Kessel’s a pretty streaky player, but his own success is usually echoed by his team so hopefully the Sens can keep him in check.
3 Story-lines for the Game
Let the Battle Begin — It should be an interesting game between the two rivals, and hopefully this first meeting will set a precedent for exciting, emotional and physical hockey that makes this rivalry worth getting invested in.
4 Point Game — Tonight’s game is the proverbial four point game as the Sens and Leafs share the same division. Whoever wins this one is doing themselves a big favour standings-wise, and whoever loses could come to seriously regret it later in the year.
Shots, Shots, Shots — Both teams allow extremely high shot volumes, especially the Senators. I’m looking for any game to be the one where the Sens tone down the shots against and hopefully a staunchly played defensive game against a bitter rival could be just what the doctor ordered for this team.