Game-day Preview #30: Ottawa Senators @ Edmonton Oilers

MONTREAL, QC - FEBRUARY 19: Clark Bishop #15 of the Belleville Senators skates against the Laval Rocket during the first period at the Bell Centre on February 19, 2021 in Montreal, Canada. The Laval Rocket defeated the Belleville Senators 5-2. (Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images)
MONTREAL, QC - FEBRUARY 19: Clark Bishop #15 of the Belleville Senators skates against the Laval Rocket during the first period at the Bell Centre on February 19, 2021 in Montreal, Canada. The Laval Rocket defeated the Belleville Senators 5-2. (Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images)
Clark Bishop #15 of the Belleville Senators (Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images)
Clark Bishop #15 of the Belleville Senators (Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images)

Ottawa looks to pick up their first win of the season against the Oilers after dropping the previous 6 meetings

Player to Watch: Clark Bishop

Acquired in a minor-league deal two months ago to the day, Bishop makes his debut in a Senators jersey tonight in Edmonton.

The 127th pick of the 2014 Draft (5th round) by the Carolina Hurricanes, Bishop has been an NHL player for the majority of his career to date, playing in 25 career NHL games with just 1 goal and 4 points to suffice. The 24-year-old doesn’t bring a ton of offence to the table but his energetic, in your face style makes him a favourite in the locker room.

Watch Bishop use his wheels down the wing for his first NHL goal scored in December of 2018 versus the Anaheim Ducks:

Bishop has appeared in 3 games in Belleville since the trade, scoring 1 goal and usually appearing in the team’s bottom-six when he suits up, he’s spent a healthy amount of time on the Taxi-Squad.

Born in St. Johns, Newfoundland, I thought it was necessary to point out Bishop’s from “The Rock”, where I currently reside and have spent the majority of my life. The province consists of just over 500,000 people and has boasted an impressive 29 players to have laced it up in the big leagues.

News & Notes

  • Lines from yesterday’s team practice:
  •  Clark Bishop was also recalled from the team’s Taxi-Squad for the purpose of playing tonight’s game
  • Colin white is out but his injury is day-to-day, while Ryan Dzingel is a game-time-decision tonight

Starting Goalies

Joey Daccord

2020-21 Season Stats: 4GP, 0-2-0, 0.913 SV%, 2.71 GAA

Daccord has been really solid in his two starts so far this season having nearly a 0.920+ save percentage in both starts (0.919 March 8 vs Edmonton). Flashing tremendous hockey IQ and puck-handling ability during his appearances, it’s clear Daccord carries himself with a lot of confidence, crucial for goalies in this league.

Mike Smith

2020-21 Season Stats: 12GP, 8-2-2, 0.927 SV%, 2.18 GAA

Smith has been one of the NHL’s best goalies so far this season, putting up impressive stats that rank high among the leagues elite. Smith ranks 4th among all goaltender’s in Goals Saved Above Expected at 5.9.