The Ottawa Senators, after the Toronto Maple Leafs game Saturday could have been excused. Excused of starting to believe that they would cruise to the playoffs.
Things could not of gone further south for the franchise come Sunday evening. The Winnipeg Jets effectively beating them into submission. They must now attempt to pick up the pieces and enter the hot cauldron that is the Prudential Center. A team somewhat in the ascendency only six points off the Boston Bruins who now occupy the final playoff spot via the wildcard.
Players To Watch Out For
Taylor Hall has been exactly what the New Jersey Devils thought he was going to be. As they packed Adam Larsson’s bags for him when Edmonton called. 40 points in 49 games in a brand new team is impressive, 14 goals and 26 assists. The frightening point being, Hall most certainly has another gear to go to. I genuinely believe he could be a 100 point a season guy, especially when he feels valued by an organisation.
Stalling Devils Offense?
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Bar Taylor Hall, no one has really set the New Jersey faithful on fire. Kyle Palmieri has 35 points in 57 games and Adam Henrique 32 in 59. So, stop Hall and you may be in with a chance. They possess an abundance of offensive talent that just hasn’t found its way. Hopefully, all of the bad luck that the Sens receive this season was against Winnipeg and that the Devils don’t take this game to kick into gear.
Who’s Filling The Crater-Sized Holes Left By Injuries?
Max McCormick and Casey Bailey will slot in after being called up from Binghamton. The former has 26 points in 45 AHL matches this season. Whereas the latter has 23 in 44. Both not exactly flourishing in Binghamton, but stranger things have happened when given the opportunity.
Statistical Comparison
Ottawa’s power-play is still struggling 17.1 percent which pins them to 21st in the rankings. Devils PP is incredibly similar at 17.4 percent and has them at 20th.
The major difference is the Penalty Kill, where the Sens trump the Devils. Sens PK is 83.8 percent 8th in the league, New Jersey have 81.2 percent which has them at 19th. Therefore, the Sens should seek to exploit their penalty kill when they get the chance.
Next: Logan Brown Prospect Report
Final Thoughts
Ottawa face an almighty uphill struggle on this road trip and could absolutely lift the morale of everyone associated with the club, with a win. Chances are, they will lose tonight, but given my adoration for the Boucher system, reckon, the Sens could steal a win in overtime.