As February is winding down for the Ottawa Senators, the team is without momentum. After this past Saturday's 5-2 loss to the Montreal Canadiens, the Senators have lost four consecutive games. Now, a Stanley Cup contender is coming into town.
The Winnipeg Jets have dominated teams this season and will be in Stanley Cup conversations. Now, the Senators have a tough challenge to gain momentum heading into March.
Sens play Jets in final game in February
The Senators host the Jets at Canadian Tire Centre with puck drop scheduled for 7 p.m. ET. Tonight is the second and final meeting between the Senators and Jets.
Saturday saw a major concern surrounding goaltender Linus Ullmark. After allowing in three goals in the first period, Ullmark allowed in two more goals in the second period, then would get pulled from the net for Anton Forsberg. Jake Sanderson and Tim Stutzle scored in the loss for the Senators. Stutzle recorded two points to extend his point streak to nine games.
As for the Jets, they are the hottest team in the NHL right now with having won their past 10 games. Monday night's 2-1 overtime win against the San Jose Sharks improved the Jets to 41-14-3 on the season, the best record in the NHL.
Kyle Connor leads the Jets with 71 points and 41 assists, and is also second on the team with 30 goals. Mark Scheifele leads the Jets with 32 goals. Connor Hellebuyck's goaltending has been outstanding this season with a 35-7-2 record with a 2.04 goals against average and .925 save percentage.
When the Senators played the Jets for the first time this season in Winnipeg on Dec. 28, the Senators fell 4-2. The Senators had a 2-0 lead in the second period, then the Jets scored four unanswered goals. Mads Sogaard did get start the start in goal for the Senators that night due to Ullmark and Forsberg both being injured at the time.
With the Columbus Blue Jackets winning last night, the Blue Jackets jumped the Senators in the Eastern Conference standings. The Senators needing a win tonight to jump the Blue Jackets is an understatement.