Game Day Five: Red Wings vs Senators, Feb. 27
By
Daniel Chisholm
Hockey Content and Social Media Specialist
The set-up
Fresh off a division win in Montreal, the Senators are set to host Detroit in a back-to-back at home as a result of the rescheduled game from December. With just four points separating these two, these two games will be crucial in the hunt for the final wildcard spot in the playoffs. Currently Detroit, with 64 points is just three points out of the playoffs, with a game in hand on Pittsburgh, while the Senators are seven points out with a game in hand as well.
Since coming back from the NHL All-Star break, Detroit has gone 7-3-0, with big wins against the likes of the Oilers, Rangers and Capitals in their pursuit for the playoffs. Until being shutout by Tampa two nights ago, Detroit's offence had been red hot averaging 3.78 goals per game since the break. The key to the game for the Senators will be slowing down Detroit captain, Dylan Larkin who has been a point per game player this year with 57 points in 57 games.
On the Senators side of the ice, they have gone 6-3-1 over their last ten, averaging 3.60 goals per game over that stretch. The Senators have found a way to move the puck around and get depth scoring in that window with twelve different skaters scoring over the last ten games. Led by captain Brady Tkachuk with 61 points, expect this game to go the distance as both teams try to separate from the pack in the playoff hunt.
Roster notes
There have been no roster moves since Saturday night's game against Montreal. Below is how the Senators lined up this morning during practice at Canadian Tire Centre:
Forwards:
Tkachuk - Stützle - Giroux
DeBrincat - Pinto - Batherson
Joseph - Gambrell - Gauthier
Brassard - Kastelic - Watson
Kelly
Defense:
Chabot - Zub
Sanderson - Hamonic
Brannstrom - Holden
Larsson
Mini playoff series
The excitement around the team is palpable with this mini playoff series over the next two nights. "It's a great opportunity for us, I feel like it's going to be a playoff atmosphere with the standings so close," said forward Mark Kastelic. "These two games are going to be huge for our group." Head coach D.J. Smith mentioned that a lot of this young group hasn't gotten to play meaningful games this late in the season like this, and they are ready for the opportunity. One way or another, expect the Senators to come out hungry to prove what they are capable of and make that jump in the hunt for the playoffs.
Who to watch
Playing with a real hunger would be the best way to describe Mark Kastelic's first game back with the Senators since being recalled from Belleville. In nearly twelve minutes of ice time anchoring the fourth line, Kastelic won 74% of his faceoffs and assisted on Derick Brassard's goal to open the scoring. Before being re-assigned to Belleville, Kastelic registered four goals and an assist through 43 games, all while winning nearly 60% of his faceoffs. Look for Kastelic to continue that hungry style of play here tonight!
Where to watch
For those not at Canadian Tire Centre, Monday'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.
