The Ottawa Senators look to continue their winning ways after last nights 3-1 victory versus the New Jersey Devils. Tonights opponent the New York Islanders are very much need of a win Sunday night at home trying not to extend their losing streak to 5 games.
7PM Barclays Center
TV: TVAS, SN, MSG+
Radio: TSN 1200 Ottawa
Ottawa Senators (17-11-3, 2nd in Atlantic Division 11th in the NHL)
New York Islanders (11-13-6, 8th in Metropolitan Division, 27nd in the NHL)
Offense: The Senators will look to Bobby Ryan to continue his point streak with Mike Hoffman serving his final game on his 2 game suspension. Zack Smith who was pushed into the top 6 last night stepped up in a big way scoring the insurance goal and assisting the game winner making him the games first star
Defense: Erik Karlsson is currently sitting second in defenseman scoring in the NHL (31 GP 7 G 21A 28PTS) . Karlsson also averages a whopping 27:05 of TOI/GP (total on ice per game). Only Dustin Byfuglien plays more minutes and only Drew Doughty plays more shifts per game.
Goalie Andrew Hammond starts
Hammond will make his third start of the season tonight in Brooklyn. The 28 year old has had less than a stellar season posting a 4.00 GAA and a .833 SV%.
Projected Lineup Senators
Ryan Dzingel – Kyle Turris – Bobby Ryan
Zack Smith – Derick Brassard – Mark Stone
Tom Pyatt – J.G. Pageau – Curtis Lazar
Casey Bailey – Chris Kelly – Chris Neil
Marc Methot – Erik Karlsson
Dion Phaneuf – Cody Ceci
Mark Borowiecki – Chris Wideman
Andrew Hammond
Craig Anderson Update
Senators coach Guy Boucher says he doesn’t expect Anderson to rejoin the team before Christmas.
The Senators have two games left before the Christmas break. Tuesday night in Chicago and then back on home ice vs. the Anaheim Ducks Thursday night.