Game Day Five: Senators at Oilers, Mar. 14
By
Daniel Chisholm
Hockey Content and Social Media Specialist
The set-up
Coming into the fifth and final game of their Western Conference road trip the Senators are looking to gain some points in the playoff race against a feisty Edmonton team looking to right the ship following a tough loss to Toronto. The Senators have lost some ground in the playoff race though are still well within reach of that final Wild Card spot, sitting just six points back of the Islanders with two games in hand. Edmonton has slipped into the first Wild Card spot in the West and is looking to get back into the top three of the Pacific division, sitting just one point behind Seattle.
Edmonton has been a team that has been putting up points in bunches for the last several seasons, and this year is no different with a league leading 3.85 goals per game. Of course, Edmonton's offence is propelled by their league leading power play unit converting a staggering 31.6% of their man advantages this season. Led by their superstar duo of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl with 127 and 98 points respectively. McDavid is on pace to be the first this season to hit the 60 goal plateau and will flirt with the 70 goal plateau for the first time since Alexander Mogilny and Teemu Selänne scored 76 a piece in the 1992-93 NHL season.
The Senators will look to their big guns to spark some offence here tonight. With five different 50+ point scorers this season, led by young budding super star Tim Stützle with 71 points and his linemates, Brady Tkachuk and Claude Giroux with 66 points apiece. With the possibility of being without Thomas Chabot tonight the defensive core will be tested and look to the team to defend as a group of five against this electric offence. Led by recently acquired Jakob Chychrun, young budding star Jake Sanderson and Artem Zub this group will be up for the challenge.
Roster notes
D.J. Smith mentioned in his pregame availability that Thomas Chabot is doubtful to play tonight after suffering a lower body injury against the Calgary Flames. Additionally Parker Kelly is doubtful after leaving practice early today. Below is how the Senators lined up at morning skate at Rogers Place:
Forwards:
Tkachuk - Stützle - Batherson
DeBrincat - Pinto - Giroux
Brassard - Gambrell - Gauthier
Kastelic - Brown - Watson
Defense:
Chychrun - Zub
Sanderson - Hamonic
Brannstrom - Holden
Past history
Tonight will mark the 57th time these two interconference Canadian foes have faced off. Thus far Edmonton owns a 29-23 record with four ties along the way in the early days. Edmonton has controlled the series of late winning 10 of the last 12 games in the series. Of course in their first meeting this season Edmonton won at Canadian Tire Centre 6-3. However, it is worth noting that this series all-time has favoured the road team, with the Senators having a narrow 14-13 edge in Edmonton.
Who to watch
When playing a team like Edmonton that scores at an unprecedented rate the best offence is often a good defence. The Senators have been at their best this season when their defence have been getting pucks to the net and contributing on the offensive side of the game. Slowing down Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl as well we helping on the offensive end is no small ask, yet it is exactly what Jake Sanderson did the last time they saw Edmonton. The rookie defenceman skated stride for stride with McDavid and onlookers could see the frustration McDavid felt when Sanderson was in his way on the ice. On top of that he potted the third of his four goals on the season against Edmonton that day. Look for Sanderson to continue his strong play against the league's best here tonight.
Where to watch
Tuesday's game can be seen live on TSN5 and RDS2. Fans can also tune into the radio call on TSN 1200 and Unique FM 94,5.
