Every game the Ottawa Senators play from here on out is going to be The Most Important Game Of The Season, and tonight they could hardly face a better opponent than this despondent Toronto Maple Leafs squad.
35-24-11
Ottawa Senators
VS.
Toronto Maple Leafs
27-39-6
7:00 PM EST
Canadian Tire Center, Ottawa, Ontario
TSN5, RDS2
MATCHUP HISTORY
Both teams have grabbed a “W” already his season. Toronto took the first game 5-3 in November, and Ottawa the most recent one 4-3 earlier in January.
After tonight, the provincial rivals play each other two more times.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Kyle Turris – The universe is on his side: Last game against Boston, Turris scored 19s into the first period. He scored his second goal of the game with 19 seconds left, and it was his 19th of the season. The game was played on March 19th. Since then, he has 19 points in his last 19 games.
Phil Kessel – 3 points in the last 5, and a -35 on the season. Not intimidating stats, but Kessel does have game-breaking skill and should always be respected.
More from SenShot
- Crunch. Crush. Grind. Mash. The Tyler Kleven Story
- Belleville Senators: What To Expect In 2023-24
- Daniel Alfredsson and Marian Hossa Hit The Ice One Final Time
- Ottawa Senators: Something’s Got to Give
- Hot Pierre Summer 2.0? Let’s Talk About The Ottawa Senators Offseason So Far!
THREE KEYS TO THE GAME
1. Stone stays Golden: With 6 points in the last 5 games, and 3 assists against Boston, Mark Stone is one of Ottawa’s very best forwards. Hopefully his hot streak continues and he’s able to feast on a weak and depleted Maple Leafs team.
2. Hometown Help: With most Leafs fans firmly entrenched in team tank, here’s hoping that regardless of allegiance most of the people at CTC will be cheering for an Ottawa victory.
3. King Karl Komes Back on the Board: Somehow in a 6-4 win against Boston, Erik Karlsson didn’t score a single point. That can only be a good thing, as it shows the team’s depth, but it can only be better when he does make it on the point sheet.
This run has really re-energized the fan-base, and the city. Here’s hoping the best Sens team we know shows up and we’re able to keep the good times rolling. Go Sens Go!