Game Day Five: Senators at Bruins, Feb. 20
By
Daniel Chisholm
Hockey Content and Social Media Specialist
The set-up
For the third time this season, and first time in Boston, the Senators are set to face the league leading Bruins this afternoon. The first two games saw the Senators walk away victorious, first in a 7-5 victory in their home opener then right after the holiday they pulled out a 3-2 shootout victory at Canadian Tire Centre. The Senators were the first of only two teams to beat Boston twice this season, the other being Florida.
While their past victories are all well and good, rest assured both sides are checking that information at the door and coming into this game with a blank slate. Sitting atop the league with a whopping 89 points, Boston has been nearly unstoppable at home this season, going 22-2-3 so far. Largely due to the fact that they are the second highest scoring offence at 3.73 goals per game le by pesky David Pastrnak with 39 goals. On top of that Boston boasts nine, yes nine, skaters with more than 30 points through 55 games. On top of all of that Boston is the least scored on team in the NHL at 2.07 goals against per game. The next closes is Dallas at 2.54. A tall task to say the least!
That being said, the Senators have not been known to shy away from any opponent this season no matter their stature. Coming into today the Senators boast three 50-point scorers, in Claude Giroux (52), Tim Stützle (59) and Brady Tkachuk (60), with Alex DeBrincat (48) and Drake Batherson (47) not far behind. This group may well rely on their power play success to try to get the edge here today, sitting at the third best mark in the league at 26.1% that could be the difference maker.
One way or another we're sure to be in for a treat in this third iteration of this divisional clash!
Roster notes
Ahead of yesterday's game, the Senators traded forward Tyler Motte to the New York Rangers in exchange for forward Julien Gauthier and a conditional seventh round pick in the 2023 NHL Draft. D.J. Smith mentioned that Gauthier will immediately be brought into the line here today, though he's unsure who will slot out at this point. Additionally, the Senators recalled defenceman Dillon Heatherington from Belleville. With no morning skate today below is how the Senators lined up yesterday against the St. Louis Blues at Canadian Tire Centre:
Forwards:
Tkachuk - Stützle - Giroux
DeBrincat - Pinto - Batherson
Brassard - Greig - Joseph
Kelly - Gambrell - Watson
Defense:
Chabot - Zaitsev
Brannstrom - Zub
Larsson - Hamonic
Julien Gauthier
Ahead of yesterday afternoon's game against St. Louis, Julien Gauthier became an Ottawa Senator. He won't come into the locker room unfamiliar, having played junior with Thomas Chabot and Mathieu Joseph for the Saint John Sea Dogs. All that should help build instant chemistry. On the ice Gauthier is in the midst of a career year, setting career highs in goals with six and points with nine, while being on pace to set a career high in games played as well. Gauthier is a big body on the wing who can skate well and fast. All key characteristics Pierre Dorion is trying to bring into this line-up. Gauthier will make his Ottawa Senators debut here today against Boston.
Who to watch
Given what a tough foe we have in store today you've got to keep an eye on the player who's had the most success against them this season. That player would be Drake Batherson, who across our two match ups this season has put up one goal and four assists for five points. Coming off a strong showing yesterday against St. Louis in which he put a back hand saucer right in front of Shane Pinto to open the scoring before putting in one of his own later on, Batherson is primed for a big game here today!
Where to watch
Monday's game can be seen live on TSN5 and RDS. Fans can also tune into the radio call on TSN 1200 and Unique FM 94,5.
