Game Preview #40: Nashville Predators @ Ottawa Senators
By Daniel Bruce
Senators look to get back in the win column against Predators
The Ottawa Senators will look to rebound from a disappointing 8-4 defeat at the hands of the Seattle Kraken when they face a rejuvenated Predators team that is starting to string some wins together.
Following a strong performance in the month of December and consecutive wins after the New Year, the Senators reached the 0.500 mark (18-18-3), something that didn’t seem attainable following another disastrous November. The Senators currently find themselves 7 points back of the 2nd wildcard spot in the east and will have to make up a ton of ground in the second half of the season. In order to make that dream a reality, the Senators have to go on a run at some point soon, and it could all start tonight at home.
Timmy Süperstar
If there’s one crucial takeaway from the first half of the 2022-23 season, it’s that the Senators have a future/present superstar on their roster, and he’s only 20-years-old. Stützle showed a ton of promise at the end of last season and that has seamlessly translated into an even more productive and exciting stretch of hockey to start this season. In 35 games, Stützle ranks 1st on the team in goals (18), 2nd in points (39), and 1st in points-per-game (1.12) all while leading all forwards in average ice-time with 20:25 per game.
Stützle was also the lone bright spot from their last time out, recording his 2nd career hat-trick and contributing to each of the Senators’ 4 goals.
While it wasn’t ever in question the offensive talent that Stützle possesses, his play in his own end has taken an enormous leap during his 3rd season in the league. His defensive impact has been notably improved and the advanced stats definitely support the claims:
Tim Stützle is the best player from his NHL Draft class. Really awesome player, the best player on the Senators in our eyes. They have a big gem in him. Ottawa should fire DJ Smith we think. The Senators have a potential to be much better than they're so far this season. pic.twitter.com/EKG149pSEu
— Andy & Rono (@ARHockeyStats) December 8, 2022
D.J. Smith has been deploying Stützle on the penalty kill at specific moments during the game, speaking to the trust that the young star has gained from the team’s staff.
Lineup Notes
There appears to be no changes to the Senators’ lineup tonight, with the lines staying untouched for the time being:
DJ Smith - No changes to the lineup. Will decide on the goalie later today.
— TSN 1200 (@TSN1200) January 9, 2023
Offensive Leaders
Points: OTT – Tkachuk (40) / NSH – Forsberg (34)
Goals: OTT – Stützle (18) / NSH – Forsberg (15)
Assists: OTT – Tkachuk (26) / NSH – Josi (22)
+/-: OTT – Zub (+2) / NSH – McDonagh (+11)
Shots: OTT – Tkachuk (169) / NSH – Josi (161)
Hits: OTT – Kelly (115) / NSH – Jeannot (143)
Starting Goalies
Cam Talbot – Ottawa Senators
2022-23 Season Stats: 23 GP, 10-10-1, 0.906 SV%, 2.89 GAA, 1 SO
The veteran netminder has brought a calming presence in between the pipes for a young Senators team, proving why the team decided to acquire him in the offseason. Despite a few poor starts, Talbot seems to be the Senators (1A) at the midway point, due to his impressive consistency.
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Jusse Saros – Nashville Predators
2022-23 Season Stats: 29 GP, 14-10-5, 0.918 SV%, 2.77 GAA
Saros started the season playing below the standard he had set in previous seasons, however, over the past two months the diminutive netminder has stood on his head, including stopping 64/67 shots in his last start, a 5-3 win over the Carolina Hurricanes. The Senators will have to do their best to get bodies to the front of the net and disrupt the rhythm of Saros.