Game Day Five: Senators at Predators, Dec. 10
By
Daniel Chisholm
Hockey Content and Social Media Specialist
The set-up
Looking to finish off their "Dad's trip" with a big two points the Senators come into one of the loudest buildings in the NHL at Bridgestone Arena. The Senators enter today's game fresh off taking a point from the Central Division leading Dallas Stars two nights ago. That effort was led largely by the offensive contributions from their blue liners as Thomas Chabot and Travis Hamonic combined for two of the team's three goals. That makes back-to-back games with a goal for Chabot who is on pace to blow past his career high of 14 goals this season.
Nashville enters this game in the bottom four of goals per game, averaging just 2.63 per game. However, despite this they sit just one point back of the reigning Stanley Cup Champion Colorado Avalanche in the standings, largely due to their trio of 20-point scorers in Filip Forsberg, Matt Duchene and Roman Josi. Alternatively, one could point to their success in the face-off circle to the relative success they have found on the ice.
The outcome of this game could well come down to that battle in the face-off circle. Both the Senators and the Predators come into today's game with a top-five face-off win percentage both winning over 53% of their face-offs. With eight skaters winning over 50% of their face-offs the Senators will look to gain the edge their led by forward Claude Giroux who has won a staggering 62.67% of his draws this season. The Predators will look to Ryan Johansen who has won 61.7% of his face-off's this year.
Roster notes
The Senators held an optional skate yesterday morning in Nashville, so we did not see how the line-up may change. However, head coach D.J. Smith mentioned that forward Mathieu Joseph will be held out for a couple of weeks as he suffered a lower body injury against Dallas. Forward Parker Kelly will slot back into the line-up in Joseph's absence.
Below is how the Senators lined up for their game against the Dallas Stars:
Forwards:
Tkachuk - Stützle - Giroux
DeBrincat - Pinto - Batherson
Motte - Gambrell - Joseph
Brassard - Kastelic - Watson
Defense:
Chabot - Zaitsev
Sanderson - Hamonic
Brannstrom - Zaitsev
Past History
These two interconference opponents have only seen each other 31 times in their clubs' histories. Currently, Nashville owns a narrow lead in the all-time series 17-14, largely due to their current three-game win streak dating back to February 2020.
This match-up has often resulted in tightly contested battles. Four of the last five games have been decided by one goal, while three of the last eight games have gone into overtime. Look for another hard fought battle between these two today as the Senators enter one of the louder arenas to play in.
Who to watch
Forward Austin Watson returns to the city he called home for the first six seasons of his career in Nashville. Today will mark just the third time he's played against his former team, and the second time in Nashville. To make the game extra special for him, his grandfather is in tow for the Senators "Dad's trip" to see Watson play where he had seen him play many times before.
Watson has played an integral role as an emotional leader and energy player on this Senators team. Relentless in applying pressure to the opponents, playing a physical game active on the forecheck and never one to shy away from protecting his teammates. Look for Watson to bring that energy here today and provide a spark in his old stomping grounds as the Senators look to finish the road trip with a win.
Where to watch
Saturday's game can be seen live on TSN5 and TVAS. Fans can also tune into the radio call on TSN 1200 and Unique FM 94,5.
