Game Day Five: Red Wings at Senators, Feb. 28
By
Dan Chisholm @Senators
The set-up
For the second time in as many nights the Ottawa Senators are playing host to the Detroit Red Wings. After falling behind 1-0 and then 2-1 the Senators rattled off five straight goals to win in commanding fashion last night!
Knowing what was on the line with this mini playoff series, the Senators brought out the physicality early and often last night. Led by Brady Tkachuk who was relentless all night long in wearing down Detroit, getting his teammates revved up and potting an electric goal of his own, the captain stepped up to the plate. Additionally, from top liners like Claude Giroux and Tim Stützle who combined for five points, to Mark Kastelic who dealt crushing blows all night, the Senators will bring that top to bottom effort again!
Surely not happy with result last night, Detroit is a formidable opponent with a raging fire under themselves tonight! Still 7-3-0 over their last ten games, and similarly looking to make a push for the playoffs, Detroit will turn to their leadership group tonight to set the tone. Captain Dylan Larkin has 57 points through 58 games played, while alternate captains David Perron, Andrew Copp and Ben Chiarot have 38, 31 and 16 points respectively.
In a game of this significance expect the leaders of both teams to step up and make some noise tonight!
Roster notes
Below is how the Senators lined up last night against the Detroit Red Wings at Canadian Tire Centre:
Forwards:
Tkachuk - Stützle - Giroux
DeBrincat - Pinto - Batherson
Joseph - Gambrell - Gauthier
Brassard - Kastelic - Watson
Defense:
Chabot - Zub
Sanderson - Hamonic
Brannstrom - Holden
Playoff pack
So much has been made of the significance of this game with playoff implications on the line. With a win last night over Detroit the Senators move within two points of the Red Wings in the loaded Eastern Conference Wild Card race. Below are the up to date standings heading into the final 23 games of the season:
Team:Points |Games remaining
New York Islanders: 69 | 19
Pittsburgh: 67 | 23
Buffalo: 66 | 24
Detroit: 64 | 23
Florida: 64 | 21
Washington: 64 | 20
Ottawa:62 | 23
Who to watch
Following a four-point outing last night against this very team, how could you not have your eyes locked on Claude Giroux tonight. The veteran forward provided what ended up being the game-winning goal with 5:50 left in the second period when he went five-hole on goaltender Magnus Hellberg. Perhaps more impressive than his goal, was the cross ice back hand pass he delivered right on the stick of a streaking Brady Tkachuk for the Senators fourth goal of the game. As one of the players with the most big game experience on this roster expect Giroux to step up again tonight and help the Senators come within just a few points of the playoffs.
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.
