The Senators travelled from Tampa Bay to meet the New York Islanders. The Sens are set to meet New York twice this week, where the 2nd of the two meetings will be a treat.
Ottawa Senators (10-9-4)
@
New York Islanders (17-7-0)
Game Time: 7:00 EST
Nassau Veterans Memorial Colliseum
TV: TSN 5/RDS Radio: TSN 1200
MATCHUP HISTORY
The Islanders and Senators meet 3 times this season, two come this week as they share a home-and-home. Ottawa is in a slump, there team has been inconsistent and have been falling in the standings.
The Islanders have been a team on the rise. Headlined by John Tavares and new additions including Johnny Boychuk have led the team to success. Ottawa dropped 2 of the 3 meetings last season, where the Island had the advantage.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
John Tavares, NYI – He’s the easy choice. Tavares was selected #1 overall in 2009 and is still only 24-years-old. Tavares is a proven star and an amazing player to watch. Be nervous when he has the puck tonight, as only bad things can happen for Ottawa.
Alex Chiasson, OTT – Alex Chiasson had a great game versus Tampa Bay. Chiasson works hard on the PP and has had a good start to the season. Look for Chiasson to produce tonight, especially with a new look line featuring Hoffman – Zibanejad – Chiasson.
TOP 3 STORYLINES
1. Bobby Ryan Out – A key player to Ottawa’s lineup will be out for the 2nd consecutive night. Ryan suffered a fractured finger last week, and it looks like he could be back soon. Senators D-man, Erik Karlsson was also a question earlier in the day; but it looks like he will be a go.
2. Ottawa’s Defence – Mark Borowiecki sounds like he’ll be back in the lineup tonight. Ottawa’s defence group has been inconsistent, so much so that Bryan Murray went on the record to say that Ottawa’s Defensive zone play has been “disastrous” at times. Look for an good outing from Ottawa’s defence to lead to any success.
3. Upcoming Fall? – Taking a look at the Senators schedule, things don’t look great. The Sens have already dropped 6 of their last 9, and don’t have an easy schedule ahead.
In the next 7 alone Ottawa faces NYI x2, PIT, VAN, LAK, and BOS; all teams that have been great in the early going. This time of year is often where NHL scouts consider teams and players being what they are. Ottawa’s season hasn’t been spectacular, where it looks like another poor overall result could be coming.