The Ottawa Senators are coming home after a 1-2-1 road trip, and they will face the Montreal Canadiens at home for the first time this season.
27-12-3
Montreal Canadiens
VS
17-17-8
Ottawa Senators
7:30 EST
Canadian Tire Centre, Ottawa
TV: TSN5, RDS
MATCHUP HISTORY
The Canadiens and Senators have surprisingly only played each other once this year, with Montreal winning 4-1 at home back in December. At this point, the Canadiens have surpassed the Maple Leafs as Ottawa’s greatest rival, and it’s odd that they have only met once this season.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Max Pacioretty, MTL- Pacioretty has always been one of Montreal’s best players, but he’s been on fire of late. He has 8 goals and 7 assists in his last 13 games, including a 5 game goal streak. He already has 20 goals on the season, and he’s become legitimately one of the best snipers. If Montreal is able to get lots of chances (which is likely), it’ll probably be centred around Pacioretty’s play.
Mike Hoffman, OTT- While he might not get many assists, Hoffman has arguably been Ottawa’s best forward this year. He has 15 goals on the year (all even strength), and has 7 in his last 11. It seems whenever Ottawa scores their first goal, it’s always Hoffman. He won’t be able to utilize his speed against a small team as much like Montreal, but he can still be extremely effective with his wicked hands. He’s hot right now, and there’s no reason why we can’t expect him to keep playing like he does.
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THREE KEYS TO THE GAME
1. Hold the lead- Ottawa has literally been the worst team in the league this season when they score first. Their winning percentage when leading after one period is also 29th, and their percentage when winning after two is 26th. They had a 3-1 lead over Dallas last game, but predictably they coughed it up in a horrendous second period. If the Senators want to win any games, they have to keep the lead much more often.
2. Let it go- No, I’m not quoting the movie “Frozen.” Although, that works too. But, in this sense I mean let it go as in don’t take unnecessary retaliatory penalties against Montreal and simply let it go instead of taking an extra jab. Every game against the Canadiens is chippy, and Ottawa is always poorly disciplined. Responding to their cheap shots is exactly what they want them to do, so if they don’t do anything, Ottawa will be the ones getting more power plays. It’s a novel concept isn’t it? Yet, teams fall for the trap constantly.
3. Throw everything at Subban- PK Subban is obviously one of the leagues best defenseman, and he is a major part of Montreal’s attack. Ottawa doesn’t quite have the arsenal to shut him down, but they can at least try. Erik Karlsson needs to be out there almost every shift against him, making sure that he doesn’t get by on any rushes down the wing.
The Senators also can’t afford to have Subban on against their fourth line, namely guys like Milan Michalek, David Legwand and Alex Chiasson. If it’s not the top line that’s out there, then at least defensively responsible players like JG Pageau and Erik Condra must be out to counter the attack. Shutting out Subban will make their offense extremely weaker.
Enjoy the game tonight, and Go Sens Go!