The Ottawa Senators have gone 8-1-1 in their last 10 games, and turn again to Andrew Hammond to keep the playoff dream alive.
29-27-14
VS
32-24-11
7:00 PM
Canadian Tire Centre, Kanata, Ottawa
TV/RADIO: TVA/City TV/Team 1200
*STANDINGS ALERT*
Today is going to be an important day for Sens fans to keep their eyes on the standings.
Philadelphia is just below us, 72 points to our 75, but they have already played 70 games compared to Ottawa’s 67.
Florida is just above us with 76 points and 68 games played, and today they face off against the New York Rangers at 5pm.
The two wildcard holder, Boston and Washington, play each other today at 7pm. Both teams are currently locked in at 82 points each and have played 68 and 69 games respectively.
MATCH-UP HISTORY
In the last meeting between these two clubs, it was Flyers forward Wayne Simmonds who would score in regulation, and once again in the shootout to help Philly take it 2-1 in early January. The two teams face each other one more time, on April 11th.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Mark Stone – He’s been arguably Ottawa’s best and most consistent forward all season long. He still sits third in the league in takeaways, and his commitment to both ends of the ice is spectacular. With 45 points in 65 games, Stone has a real chance to break 50 points in his rookie season.
Wayne Simmonds – 47 points on the season and always a threat when he’s on the ice. Scored the shootout winner along with a regulation goal in their last meeting, so hopefully the Senators can make that a one-time thing and not the start of a trend for number 17.
THREE KEYS TO THE GAME
1. Hammond Keeps Making History – He’s the first goalie in 70+ years to have under 2 GAA to start his career. It will certainly bode well for the entire team if he can keep those stats rolling, all the way into the history books.
2. King Karl Reigns Supreme – This team lives and dies on he play of Kaptain Karlsson. As he goes, so does the team, and he’s been fiery lately, pushing himself back into Norris contention (PK who?). The team will need King Karl at his best; With Boston and Washington playing today too, a loss might be just too costly for this club.
3. Eyes off the Standings – as seen in the Boston game, this team is still young and learning how to play under pressure. It’s likely in the best interest of the team to not be checking the out of town scoreboard until after their contest against Philly. They just need to play their game like they know they can, and not worry about anything out of their control.
Enjoy the game, and as always, GO SENS GO!