Game Day Five: Flyers vs Senators, Nov. 5
By
Daniel Chisholm
Hockey Content and Social Media Specialist
The set-up
The Senators look to get back to their winning ways after nearly mounting a major comeback victory over the Golden Knights two nights ago. Ottawa welcomes a Flyers team that though they are higher in the standings than most thought they would be, have dropped three straight coming into tonight.
This game could come down to defensive vs offense. The Senators have continued to have success lighting the lamp, averaging 3.70 goals per game which puts them fifth in the league. Meanwhile, the Flyers have been led by their blue line and goaltending allowing only 2.70 goals per game, good for the sixth best mark in the NHL. A rejuvenated Talbot in net might just be the spark the Senators need to get back into the win column against Philadelphia.
Tonight will also mark the first time that offseason acquisition Claude Giroux will face his former team where he played 1000 games over 15 seasons accruing 291 goals and 609 assists for 900 total points.
Roster notes
Cam Talbot is set to return to net as the started against Philadelphia. Following weeks of rehabbing an injury from preseason and a stellar performance in the second and third periods of Thursday's game; Talbot makes his highly anticipated season starting debut. Additionally, the Senators have called up defenseman Jacob Bernard-Docker from Belleville giving the team seven defensemen to choose from ahead of hosting Philadelphia.
Below is how the Senators lined up yesterday morning for practice at Canadian Tire Centre:
Forwards:
Tkachuk - Stützle - Giroux
DeBrincat - Pinto - Batherson
Motte - Brassard - Joseph
Kelly - Kastelic - Watson
Gambrell
Defense:
Chabot - Brannstrom
Sanderson - Hamonic
Holden - Zaitsev
Jacob Bernard-Docker
Milestone watch
Given the success and tenure of some of the players on our roster there are a few career milestones within reach Saturday night. Though some are unlikely to happen all in one night, here are some milestones within reach over the next few games to keep an eye on:
Claude Giroux - One goal from 300 career goals
Tim Stützle - Five points from 100 career points
Brady Tkachuk - Four goals from 100 career goals
Thomas Chabot - Seven points from 200 career points
Who to watch
Tim Stützle put his stamp on Thursday night's game against the Vegas Golden Knights finishing the game with two goals and opportunities that looked like he may have completed the hattrick. It was a breakout game of sorts for the young centreman who until then had only tallied one goal and six total points.
Stützle has been versatile in the offense thus far willing to play on whatever line combination head coach D.J. Smith has asked of him. Playing alongside Brady Tkachuk has boded well for the third-year pro. Look for him to build off of his big night against Vegas tonight when the Flyers come to Canadian Tire Centre.
Where to watch
For those who won't be at Canadian Tire Centre, Saturday's game can be seen live on Sportsnet One and TVAS2 at 7 p.m. Fans can also tune into the radio call on TSN 1200 and Unique FM 94,5.
