Ottawa Senators: Columbus Clash A Real Test
The Ottawa Senators have grinded out their last three wins. Winning all three games 2-1, now the Columbus Blue Jackets come to town and present a proper playoff challenge.
Boucher on debut by Burrows: "I wonder what people think of the trade now." #Sens
— Bruce Garrioch (@SunGarrioch) March 3, 2017
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After Alex Burrows ‘ heroics in his highly anticipated debut for the Ottawa Senators, the attention turns towards the Columbus Blue Jackets.
Columbus have been the NHL’s surprise package this season. The 16 game winning run has to be one of the highlights of the season, upsetting all of the odds, and no nonsense coach John Tortorella running the show.
CBJ’s stats are incredible. Fifth in the league for goals per game, third overall in goals against, eighth in the powerplay and tenth on the penalty kill. No glaring weaknesses or frailties there, and that is the worry for the Ottawa Senators going into tonight. They can attack like the Toronto Maple Leafs without the defensive frailties. Also, they can defend like Ottawa without the lack of goals going forward.
Shutting out the Minnesota Wild in their last game Thursday, winning 1-0. Stopping a team like Minnesota in their tracks like that, sends alarm bells.
Players To Stop
Herein lies the next the problem the Ottawa Senators face this evening. The CBJ spread points out between a large amount of players.
CBJ's top five to stop tonight. pic.twitter.com/QYQgG0kwKR
— SenShot (@SenShot_FS) March 4, 2017
Atkinson and Wennberg have been the two outstanding players for the CBJ offensively, with the others not lagging too far behind. Zach Werenski has been a revelation in the NHL, his rookie year, firmly in Calder contention, although unfortunately set to miss out to Matthews and Laine.
What Ottawa Need To Do
Stick to the system. My word you must be bored of seeing and hearing about it, but it works! If it isn’t broken don’t fix it. Believe in Boucher, believe in the system and the rest will follow.
The team do seem structurally more compact after the trade deadline, time will tell whether they can cope with true playoff sides.
Next: Team Outlook After The Deadline
At times, the Sens were excruciating to watch against the Avs, not putting away their chances. They won’t get off with the two points tonight if the Sens do not put away the chances offered up to them. To clarify, north of forty shots would be a monumental feat against this side.
The Sens could find themselves short tonight. Hopefully they can grab two crucial points.