The Ottawa Senators are set to take on a superior team. The Rangers had a shaky start to the year, but with players like Martin St. Louis, a healthy Ryan McDonagh and Henrik Lundqvist.. you know they are going to be dangerous.
What’s worse is that Rick Nash has led the league in scoring after an off-season where the word “buy-out” had his named tied to it.
26-13-4
New York Rangers
VS
18-18-8
Ottawa Senators
7:30 EST
Canadian Tire Centre, Ottawa
TV: TSN5, RDS
MATCHUP HISTORY
The Rangers and Senators are cross-conference partners. Tonight is their 1st of 3 meetings on the season. New York has to be the favourite heading into this one.
The Senators and Rangers did play a heated 1 vs 7 series in 2012. Erik Karlsson is still around in Ottawa, Matt Carkner isn’t and Brian Boyle is no longer on New York.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Martin St. Louis, NYR– Martin St. Louis is a guy who has shown he can excel even at his current age. He led the league in scoring in the shortened season and after a trade to New York, he found his game there. St. Louis is currently on a line with Chris Kreider and Derek Stepan. Two youngsters who really show how deep of a team New York is.
Mark Stone, OTT– Stone’s a big guy. I mentioned i’d take him over Mike Hoffman on twitter and considering he’s been hot lately, I think he has to be given a shot on the top-line. Stone is on a 5 game points streak, recording 2 goals and 4 assists in that time.
KEYS TO THE GAME
1. Goaltending – An interesting quote came out from Bryan Murray today. When asked if he would trade Craig Anderson, he quickly responded “why would I do that?” Robin Lehner‘s numbers aren’t looking great now, as he is barely holding a sv% over .900 and has a GAA of over 3.00. Assuming Anderson starts, expect him to have to have a big outing if Ottawa wants a W.
2. Contain New York’s Offence – New York’s top two lines scare me. The top unit of Nash – Brassard – Zucarello features the league’s best goal scorer and their second unit is no slouch as Martin St. Louis, Derek Stepan, and Chris Kreider aren’t slouches. The depth in New York’s offence is near the top of the league. Ottawa needs to contain that if they want a chance to win.