Game Day Five: Kings vs Senators, Dec. 6
By
Daniel Chisholm
Hockey Content and Social Media Specialist
The set-up
For the second time in just nine days the Ottawa Senators face-off against the LA Kings, this time at Canadian Tire Centre. The last time these two saw each other we were treated to Claude Giroux potting the overtime winner after a flurry of moves following a backhand saucer pass from Tim Stützle, the first overtime win of the season. A full 60-minute effort from the whole team, anchored by goaltender Cam Talbot who stopped 25 of the 27 shots he faced on the night.
Though we walked away victorious, the Kings will be looking to get revenge here tonight. Led by their power play the Kings didn't give an inch last game, scoring both of their goals on the power play, just the third time this season an opponent has tallied multiple power play goals in the same game against the Senators. The Senators will have to prepare for the Kings scorching offence of late, scoring 15 goals over their last three games, and sitting 11th in the league at an average of 3.37 goals per game.
Expect another battle between these two here tonight. The Senators are trying to make up ground in the playoff race, while the Kings look to hold off the Oilers and Flames who are nipping at their heels for early playoff positioning.
Roster notes
Head coach D.J. Smith announced today that goaltender Cam Talbot will get the start tonight, stating that he's earned it after a string of great performances. Smith also mentioned that Brassard will return to the lineup tonight and Dylan Gambrell will come out. Following the Senators win over San Jose on Saturday night, the team reassigned defenceman Jacob Larsson to Belleville. Additionally, the team will be without defenceman Artem Zub for at least three weeks as he suffered a jaw injury Saturday night. Lastly, Austin Watson was held out of practice for a maintenance day, though Smith expects him to be ready for the game tonight.
Below is how the Senators lined up for practice yesterday morning at Canadian Tire Center:
Forwards:
Tkachuk - Stützle - Giroux
DeBrincat - Pinto - Batherson
Motte - Brassard - Joseph
Kelly - Kastelic - Gambrell
Defense:
Chabot - Zaitsev
Sanderson - Hamonic
Brannstrom - Holden
Indigenous People's Appreciation Night
Fans in attendance at Canadian Tire Centre tonight will be treated to a variety of events to celebrate and engage the Algonquin Anishinaabeg Nation, the ancestral unceded land on which Canadian Tire Centre sits.
Before puck drops there will be a hockey clinic for Indigenous youth from communities around the region in conjunction with First Assist.
Once doors open fans will be treated to an Indigenous artisans' market featuring Antler painters, moccasin and glove makers, beaders and other traditional artists. The market can be found on the 200-level concourse at Gate 1.
Black Bear singers, a Juno award-nominated drum group from Manawan, Quebec will be in attendance to perform throughout the evening. Among other groups of talented Indigenous performers and dancers, Black Bear will be joined by the SpiritWolf singers. Additionally, Black Bear singer, Kim Ratt will be drummed in and out as she performs the National Anthem.
Community elder and newly appointed Chancellor of the University of Ottawa, Claudette Commanda, will lead a traditional smudging ceremony for Senators fans during the first intermission behind section 201.
Who to watch
The impact a player has on any given game cannot always be seen in the box score. If there is anyone on this Senators roster that embodies that it is forward Tyler Motte. Motte has two goals and six assists on the season, including finding the streaking Claude Giroux for his epic breakaway slap shot last game against San Jose.
Those points however don't do justice to the role that Motte has played on this team. Always putting pressure on the opposing defences, playing a crucial role in the penalty kill and true to the team identity he is always aggressive on the forecheck. Against New York on Friday night Motte nearly created two separate goal chances out of seemingly nothing by simply putting pressure on the Rangers goaltender and defencemen in their own zone. Look for Motte to continue keeping opponents on their heels here tonight, creating pressure in the offensive zone.
Where to watch
For those not at Canadian Tire Centre, Tuesday'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.
