On Thursday night, the Ottawa Senators began an important four-game home stand. The Senators began the home stand with an important 2-1 win against the Detroit Red Wings in regulation to improve to 11-12-2 to help gain ground against teams in the Eastern Conference.
The Senators now enter the second game of their home stand tonight starting a back-to-back against the Nashville Predators. Even with a back-to-back on the schedule, the Predators offer as an opponent to help gain more ground on teams in the Eastern Conference.
Senators continue home stand against Predators to begin back-to-back
The Senators host the Predators at Canadian Tire Centre with puck drop scheduled for 7 p.m. ET. Last season, the Senators and Predators split their season series against each other.
Against the Red Wings, Michigan native Josh Norris played incredibly well. Norris scored both of Ottawa's goals and scored a clutch game-winning goal with under 45 seconds left in regulation. Drake Batherson recorded an assist on both of Norris' goals and Linus Ullmark made 19 saves to earn the win.
Following the win, Norris sent a bold message to Sens fans about packing Canadian Tire Centre in an interview with TSN's Claire Hanna.
"It means everything when it's packed here," Norris said. "So, yeah, keep on coming, and it's gonna be better."
With a bold message like that, it's now time for Sens fans to pack the arena and be loud. Against a struggling team like the Predators, loud Sens fans at Candian Tire Centre can make it more difficult for the Predators.
So far this season, the Predators have been arguably the biggest disappointing team in the NHL. Even with newly acquired Steven Stamkos, Brady Skjei and Jonathan Marchessault, the Predators have a 7-14-6 record. Stamkos is heavily struggling with recording 13 points this season as the Predators come into tonight on a six-game losing streak.
The Predators don't have a single 10-goal scorer on their team. Roman Josi leads the Senators in assists with 16 and points with 23. The Predators have nine players on their team with a -10 rating or worse. Two of those nine players include both Stamkos and Marchessault.
Against a struggling team like the Predators, the Senators need to take advantage of being at home. With a 7-5-1 home record and earning an important win at home on Thursday, confidence appears to be back for the Senators.