For the first time this season, the Ottawa Senators will conclude their first set of back-to-back games. After last night's 2-1 loss against the New York Rangers, it's back home to Ottawa for the Senators as they get ready for the Seattle Kraken.
With little time to rest and prepare for Seattle, tonight's game offers a chance to dominate opponents at home once again as Ottawa is 4-1 at home this season.
Senators host Kraken to close out first back-to-back of season
The Senators host the Kraken at Canadian Tire Centre with puck drop scheduled for 7 p.m. ET. Since the Kraken first joined the NHL in 2021, the Senators are 3-3-0 all-time against the Kraken. The two teams split the season series last season with both teams winning their game at home.
In last night's 2-1 loss against the Rangers that dropped the Senators to 5-5-0 on the season, the Senators' offense was firing from all angels, but were unable to solve Igor Shesterkin. In the game, Shesterkin would out-duel Linus Ullmark by making 40 saves. Adam Gaudette scored the only goal with under halfway to go in the third period, but the rest of the Senators' offense couldn't score to tie the game.
Even in defeat, the Senators were able to receive high praise. Hockey Hall of Fame goaltender and Rangers legend Henrik Lundqvist complimented the Senators' effort and how much intensity the Senators played against the Rangers. Tonight is a golden opportunity for the Senators to show just how good their intensity is based on Lundqvist's comments.
As for the Kraken, they enter tonight's game with a 5-5-1 record. The Kraken have lost four of their last five games with the most recent game being a 4-1 loss against the Toronto Maple Leafs on Thursday night in Toronto.
Jared McCann leads the Senators in assists with nine, points with 14 and has the highest +/- rating on the team with +5. Jordan Eberle leads the Kraken with six goals.
Playing on the road hasn't worked out well for the Senators, but they do appear to be comfortable playing at home. Along with having four home wins, the Senators won their last home game on Tuesday night 8-1 against the St. Louis Blues.