Game Day Five: Senators at Kraken, Mar. 9
By
Daniel Chisholm
Hockey Content and Social Media Specialist
The set-up
As the Senators are set for the second stop of their road trip they look to get back in the win column against a formidable Seattle team. This is no easy feat as the Kraken are a team that can score in bunches, as the Senators know from their last clash when Seattle won 8-4 at Canadian Tire Centre. In fact, this top five offence with 3.52 goals per game can attack from all angles with 10 different skaters hitting double digit goals already this season, led by Jared McCann with 31 on the year.
After being held scoreless against Chicago the Senators big guns of Tim Stützle, Brady Tkachuk, Claude Giroux, Alex DeBrincat and Drake Batherson will be looking to light the lamp here tonight. With five players with 50+ points on the season, the second team in the NHL to hit that mark, their well-balanced attack will be crucial against this Seattle team. Of course, the Senators have benefitted from their depth players in their recent success with Austin Watson scoring three of his seven goals this season in the last six games. Additionally, the offence created by their defence has played a heavy hand in their success as well with Jakob Chychrun, Travis Hamonic, Jake Sanderson and Thomas Chabot combining for five goals over the last five games for the Senators.
As the Senators look to make a push for the playoff spot and Seattle in striking distance of first place in their division, expect both sides to come out hungry and looking to strike early and often!
Roster notes
Following what has been diagnosed as a mid-body injury, Cam Talbot will be heading home from the Senators road trip and the Senators recalled Kevin Mandolese from Belleville. With only an optional skate this morning, below is how the Senators lined up at practice yesterday morning at Climate Pledge Arena:
Forwards:
Tkachuk - Stützle - Giroux
DeBrincat - Pinto - Batherson
Joseph - Gambrell - Brown
Kelly - Kastelic - Watson
Brassard - Gauthier
Defense:
Chabot - Zub
Sanderson - Hamonic
Chychrun - Holden
Brannstrom
Playoff push
We're now under 20 games left in the season and still firmly in the race for a wildcard spot. With seven teams all within seven points of both wild card spots, this race looks set to go right to the wire. Below are the updated Wild Card standings with each team's games remaining:
Team: Points | Games remaining
New York Islanders: 74 | 16
Pittsburgh Penguins: 73 | 19
Florida Panthers: 70 | 17
Ottawa Senators: 68 | 19
Buffalo Sabres: 68 | 19
Washington Capitals: 68 | 17
Detroit Red Wings: 67 | 18
Who to watch
The last time the Senators and Kraken faced off, though the result didn't go their way, Tim Stützle had a great deal of individual success, potting a hat-trick. Against a team like Seattle, Stützle seemed to have them figured out, perhaps there is something for him to glean there to pass along to his teammates. On the year Stützle has broken out as the team leader in goals with 31 and a tie for points with 66, both career highs. Look for Tim to get the hot hand here today as he looks to help the Senators right the ship down the home stretch of the season.
Where to watch
Thursday'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.
