Game-Preview #49: Minnesota Wild @ Ottawa Senators
Senators look to cap off a draining two weeks versus high-flying Wild
Missing Drake Batherson, and Josh Norris for the entirety of a 14-day stretch that featured a ridiculous 9 games, and even included the absence of Thomas Chabot for 4 games, the team has defied the odds to a 4-4-1 record. However, the Senators look to end off 10 games in 16 days tonight against the Wild with a win.
98. Wild -240. 18-26-5. 91. 7 PM ET. 31-13-3. TSN 5. Tuesday, February 22
Stützle is a Star
Okay, he may not fit the definition of a “star” player right now, but there’s no doubt that Stützle’s recent play at the center position and dynamic performances over the past few games has resembled that of a star. Stützle’s 26 points in 48 games so far this season is actually lower than his pace last season:
- 2020-21: 53 Games – 29 points (0.55 PPG)
- 2021-22: 48 Games – 26 points (0.54 PPG)
However, that doesn’t paint the whole picture, Stützle’s play on both ends of the ice has been greatly improved, many advanced stats paint the 20-year-old as the Senators’ best defender.
According to @EvolvingHockey's 'Total Defence' statistic (even-strength defence and shorthanded defensive contributions) Tim Stützle now leads Senators skaters with the highest positive rating (+3.7). His game is coming along.
— Graeme Nichols (@GraemeNichols) January 26, 2022
Stützle’s dynamism is so rare, the way he can control the game through the middle of the ice with his speed and skill shows the potential of the elite player he could be.
News & Notes
- Dylan Gambrell “tugged” something, and the team recalled Mark Kastelic from Belleville
- Matt Murray won’t be available for tonight’s game, however, the Senators goaltender has the best possible excuse:
DJ Smith - Murray won't play. He and his wife had a baby boy last night. Chabot is a game time decision. Gambrell tugged something so we'll have to call someone this afternoon.
— TSN 1200 (@TSN1200) February 22, 2022
- Thomas Chabot is expected to make his return to the lineup
Team Leaders
Goals: OTT – Norris (18), MIN – Kaprizov (23)
Assists: OTT – Batherson, Chabot (21), MIN – Kaprizov (39)
Points: OTT – Tkachuk (36), MIN – Kaprizov (62)
+/-: OTT – Batherson, Zub (+4), MIN – Hartman (+29)
Shots: OTT – Tkachuk (166), MIN – Kaprizov (169)
Hits: OTT – Tkachuk (165), MIN – Foligno (128)
Starting Goalies
Anton Forsberg – OTT
2021-22 Season Stats: 23 GP, 10-8-2, 0.916 SV%, 2.78 GAA, 1 SO
Forsberg is called back into the crease with the news of the arrival of Matt Murray’s baby, and the veteran netminder has made the most out of his starts, especially since the month of December. Since December (17 GP), Forsberg has a 0.927 save percentage, a mark that is well above league average.
Cam Talbot – MIN
2021-22 Season Stats: 30 GP, 19-10-1, 0.911 SV%, 2.91 GAA, 1 SO
Talbot is in a bit of a battle for his starting job with his backup Kaapo Kahkonen, who’s posted superior numbers over the course of the season, there’s no doubt this is a big start for the veteran goaltender.
All stats via Hockey Reference