The Binghamton Senators get to experience a taste of the NHL and the privileges that comes with it as they faceoff against the Toronto Marlies in an afternoon affair up in parent club Ottawa’s backyard at Canadian Tire Centre. This is the first of what kicks off a two game swing in less then 24 hours up in Canada with many Binghamton fans participating in rooting for the Senators.
(19-23-5-1, 44 pts) 5th in East Division
VS
(20-18-9-0, 49 pts) 4th in North Division
3:00 PM
Canadian Tire Centre
RADIO: 96.9 FM, 680 AM. AHL Live. Rogers TV
MATCH-UP HISTORY
In what once was led by Binghamton native Jerry D’Amigo before his trade to the Buffalo Sabres Organization, Toronto as a whole has suffered as this being the first of only two games scheduled this season.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Connor Brown, TOR – The 21-year-old rookie native from Toronto has excelled with his 14 goals and leads with 22 assists for 36 points in 47 games while also having a club high 88 shots. The 6th round draft pick in 2012 recently scored a pair of goals for the Marlies latest win in doubling up the Hamilton Bulldogs by a score of 4-2 this past Friday.
Shane Prince, BNG – All eyes will be on Prince as this will possibly be one of his most important games to date in his career. The fourth year pro is leading the club in both goals (18) and points (38) and his time has come now while in the middle of a five game point streak.
THREE KEYS TO THE GAME
1. Jean-Gabriel Pageau – In a surprising move, Ottawa Senators sent down Pageau for whatever reasons in leading to speculate another player movement might develop very soon.
2a. Matt Puempel – With Prince rumored to get a call-up to possibly replace Pageau, this leaves the door open for Puempel and how he performs on ice in this afternoon’s contest. Will be a treat to watch.
2b. Chris Wideman – This All-Star offensive D-man deserves some ice time up top as his only re-call resulted in zero ice that makes fans wonder where player development is currently set at.
2c. Fredrik Claesson – Ottawa, if you ever need a solid defensive D-man, this is your man, period. He’s been loyal and consistent in his 3 years in Binghamton. He also is deserving a look at.
2d. Colin Greening – Ah, despite his $2,650,000 salary while participating in the minors, he should generate some interest from other teams at some point, yes? Never expected this move for Greening but his attitude has been positive in his return.
3. Ottawa Plays Host in the Annual Game – In what has turned out to be a terrific experience for exposure featuring the latest players in the organization other than Pageau but for Mike Hoffman, Mark Borowiecki, Patrick Wiercioch, Erik Condra, Eric Gryba and Robin Lehner as well in this latest article featured here on Ottawa’s website.
B-SENS TWEET OF THE GAME
What a win @BSens_Hockey! Next stop Ottawa! #roadtrip
— Chris Wideman (@Chris_Wideman) February 14, 2015
*Cover Art Courtesy of SenShot’s Graphic Artist Matt Trayling