The Ottawa Senators are set to face the New York Rangers
After sweeping the home and home series against the Detroit Red Wings, the Ottawa Senators make their way to New York City tonight to face off against the New York Rangers. Here is your SenShot Game-day Preview:
Ottawa Senators (30-26-4, 64 pts) @ New York Rangers (35-17-9, 79 pts)
Time: 7PM EST
Where To Watch: TSN5, RDS2
Where To Listen: TSN1200
Ottawa Senators Notes
This will be Derick Brassard’s 1000th game played in the NHL. He plays against the team where he arguably spent the prime days of his career. Brassard played in New York from 2012 to 2016. He has played for ten NHL teams. Most notably, the Columbus Blue Jackets, New York Rangers, and two stints in Ottawa.
Newly acquired Jakob Chychrun could make his debut tonight. Head Coach DJ Smith has not yet decided. He will make his decision closer to game time. Chychrun did not participate in the morning skate as he is catching up on much-needed sleep after a flight from Arizona to New York. He was acquired last night in a trade with the Coyotes.
Pay attention to Claude Giroux tonight as he has scored 3 goals and 5 assists for 8 points in his last 5 games.
The Ottawa Senators continue their push for a playoff spot as they currently sit 5 points out of the second wildcard spot, which is currently held by the Pittsburgh Penguins. They are 6 points behind the New York Islanders who hold the first wildcard, but have four games in hand on them.
Tonight will be the first time that Tyler Motte will play against the Senators since he was traded to the New York Rangers. He is slotted on the fourth line. He has scored 1 assist in 5 games for the Rangers since the trade. He was traded for Julien Gauthier and a draft pick.
The Senators and Rangers have already met twice this year, with each team winning one game. Tonight will be the last time they play one another for the regular season.
No decision has been made for who will start in net quite yet. DJ Smith says he will make his announcement closer to game-time.
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New York Rangers Notes
Patrick Kane, who was acquired by the New York Rangers on Wednesday, will make his Rangers debut tonight. He is sitting at 16 goals and 26 assists for 45 points in 54 games so far this year.
Since being acquired by the Rangers, Vladimir Tarasenko has 3 goals, 4 assists and 7 points in 10 games. Safe to say he has fit in so far.
The Rangers have won two games in a row, and currently sit at third place in the Metropolitan division with 79 points. They are also on the second game of a back-to-back, as they defeated the Philadelphia Flyers last night 3-2.
The Rangers will be playing with 12 forwards and 5 defenceman tonight instead of the regular 6 as they are not eligible for an injury call-up for the injured Ryan Lindgren.
Source says #NYR aren’t eligible to use an emergency recall to round out the roster for tonight. 12F/5D, Lindgren still out.
— Arthur Staple (@StapeAthletic) March 2, 2023
Jaroslav Halak is expected to make the start in net tonight. His record this season is 8-7-2 and he has a .902 Save Percentage with a 2.72 Goals Against Average.
Ottawa Senators Lines
Brady Tkachuk – Tim Stützle – Claude Giroux
Alex DeBrincat – Shane Pinto – Drake Batherson
Mathieu Joseph – Dylan Gambrell – Julien Gauthier
Derick Brassard – Mark Kastelic – Austin Watson
Thomas Chabot – Artem Zub
Jake Sanderson – Travis Hamonic
Erik Brannstrom – Nick Holden
Cam Talbot
Mads Sogaard
New York Rangers lines
Chris Kreider – Mika Zibanejad – Vladimir Tarasenko
Artemi Panarin – Vincent Trochek – Patrick Kane
Alexis LaFrenière – Filip Chytil – Kaapo Kakko
Jimmy Vesey – Barclay Goodrow – Tyler Motte
Nikko Mikkola – Adam Fox
Ben Harpur – Jacob Trouba
Braden Schneider
Jaroslav Halak
Igor Shesterkin