Game Day Five: Capitals vs Senators, Dec. 22
By
Daniel Chisholm
Hockey Content and Social Media Specialist
The set-up
For the second, and final time this season the Ottawa Senators welcome the Washington Capitals to Canadian Tire Centre. Of course, the first time these two faced off in the Senators opening home stand, Ottawa walked away with a 5-2 victory including scoring five straight led by Drake Batherson's back-to-back goals to open scoring for the Senators and tie the game. Washington comes into tonight's clash in a good position, winners of seven of their last eight games. That stretch has been carried largely by their Captain, Alexander Ovechkin who leads the team in both goals, with 20, and points, with 36. Ovechkin also comes into this game looking to tie Mr. Hockey for second on the all-time goals leaders with 801.
The Senators look to get back in the win column here tonight, in their final game before the holidays. Currently the Senators are riding back-to-back home wins at home against Anaheim and Montreal, and are looking to continue that here tonight. The Senators will look to capitalize on their lights out special teams performance during the month of December. The power play unit has been red-hot converting on 37.2% of their power plays this month, leading the league with 21 power play goals this month. Drake Batherson has been at the forefront on this unit leading the team with eight power play goals this season.
At the same time the penalty kill has been lock down, successfully killing off 87.5% of the teams penalties this month. In fact in the last seven games, the Senators have only given up one goal while down a man good for a 95.6% penalty kill. In that same time frame the Senators have scored the same number of goals while down a man as Tyler Motte potted a short-handed goal against Detroit to put the game away.
Roster notes
Forward Tim Stützle practiced with the tram this morning though head coach D.J. Smith mentioned that he is 50/50 if he will play. Additionally, defenceman Erik Brannstrom will slot out tonight as he suffered a minor injury late against Winnipeg. Dillon Heatherington will take his spot. Lastly, though he won't be playing the Senators signed defenceman Artem Zub to a four year contract extension yesterday morning keeping Zub a part of the teams core for the forseeable future. Below is how the Senators lined up during their skate at Canada Life Centre this morning:
Forwards:
Tkachuk - Stützle - Giroux
DeBrincat - Pinto - Batherson
Motte - Kastelic - Watson
Kelly - Chartier - Gambrell
Brassard
Defense:
Chabot - Zaitsev
Sanderson - Hamonic
Heatherington - Holden
Arrive early to Canadian Tire Centre
With the impending snowstorm to hit Ottawa fans should prepare to come to Canadian Tire Centre early this evening. Those who will be at Canadian Tire Centre tonight should plan out there travel plans to and from the stadium in advance with the road conditions in mind. Parking at the game tonight will be as follows:
General parking in lots 5, 6 and 9: $15 Lot 4: $35 Lot 1: $40 Valet/Limo: $60 Small bus: $60 Large bus: $75
Who to watch
Defenceman Dillon Heatherington is set to make his season debut tonight as he slots in for Erik Brännström. Heatherington played in nine games for the Senators last season and has logged 20 games in his NHL career all-time. The Calgary native has played in 64 games in Belleville since joining the organization tallying four goals and 18 total points in his tenure. The Senators recalled Heathrington from Belleville for the third time this season on December 14th and have been happy with what they have seen from him in practice. Look for Heatherington to make the most of his munites and play heavy alongside veteran Nick Holden for head coach D.J. Smith as he fights to make his mark here.
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.
