Game Day Five: Rangers vs Senators, Nov. 30
By
Daniel Chisholm
Hockey Content and Social Media Specialist
The set-up
Following back-to-back wins to split their West coast trip the Senators come home to Canadian Tire Centre to play host to the New York Rangers. Piling two consecutive statement wins, with a 5-1 rout of the Ducks followed up by a 3-2 overtime win, their first of the season, the Senators are carrying a lot of positive momentum into this game. The Senators come into tonight with red-hot special teams play converting four of their last ten power plays while also killing six of the last eight penalties.
Looking to get back on track after dropping three straight, New York enters Wednesday as a formidable opponent. The Rangers boast one of the league's top penalty kill units, killing off a whopping 82.6% of their penalties, the fifth best mark in the league. Their real chokehold though is the discrepancy in shots per game. The Rangers get a whopping 34.2 shots on net per game while only giving up 28.9 shots, both good for the fifth best in the NHL.
Roster notes
Following the conclusion of their West coast road trip, the Senators reassigned goaltender Kevin Mandolese and defenceman Lassi Thomson to Belleville. Additionally, Derick Brassard was not a part of the Senators practice on Tuesday, though D.J. Smith said it was just a maintenance day and that it will be a game time decision if he plays but he remains optimistic.
Below is how the Senators lined up at practice at Canadian Tire Centre yesterday:
Forwards:
Tkachuk - Stützle - Giroux
DeBrincat - Pinto - Batherson
Motte - Gambrell - Joseph
Kelly - Kastelic - Watson
Defense:
Chabot - Zub
Sanderson - Hamonic
Brannstrom - Holden
Reverse Retro
Fans who are at Canadian Tire Centre tonight will be treated to the debut of the Ottawa Senators Reverse Retro jersey. Inspired by the Senators first "Third" jersey from the 1997 season, the jersey dons curved stripes on the sleeves and body. On the shoulders you will find the Centurion logo as a patch, the primary logo from the 2006-07 season.
This will be the first of five times the Reverse Retro will be worn at Canadian Tire Centre this season. Fans will also be able to see the Reverse Retro jerseys in action at these games:
Dec. 12 vs. Anaheim Jan. 1 vs. Buffalo Jan. 18 vs. Pittsburgh Jan. 28 vs. Montreal
Who to watch
Forward Alex DeBrincat is coming off a strong game in LA in which he scored the second goal of the game which proved to be the goal to take the Senators to overtime where they walked away victorious. DeBrincat's goal was a trademark one-timer from the left face-off circle, slotting it through a narrow gap on goaltender Jonathan Quick.
Though DeBrincat has not found the back of the net as much as he would probably have liked to, he has found other ways to consistently contribute to the team. Currently sitting in a three-way tie for third on the team with 11 assists, most of which are primary assists, DeBrincat has used the defensive gravity he commands to find the open man.
Additionally, DeBrincat was praised for his hustle late in the game to chase down the play and break up a scoring chance for the Kings. It was for that effort that DeBrincat was awarded the player of the game from captain Brady Tkachuk in the locker room after the game.
Look for DeBrincat to continue his strong all-around play here again tonight
Where to watch
For those not at Canadian Tire Centre Wednesday, the game can be seen live on Sportsnet One and TVAS. Fans can also tune into the radio call on TSN 1200 and Unique FM 94,5.
