Game Day Five: Senators at Rangers, Dec. 2
By
Daniel Chisholm
Hockey Content and Social Media Specialist
The set-up
For the second time in three nights the Ottawa Senators will face-off against the New York Rangers, this time at Madison Square Garden. The Senators will look to even the score after the Rangers took game one of the home-and-home series in Ottawa. Two of the Rangers three goals came off of timely deflections in front of the net, which proved to be the difference in the game. The Rangers were led by their stellar penalty kill, killing all three penalties they took, and frankly an incredible goaltending effort from Jaroslav Halak, who stopped 34 of the 35 shots he faced.
Despite a fairly evenly matched game in most areas, the Senators dominated the face-off circle the last time these two played winning a whopping 71%. Looking to continue that dominance in the face-off circle the Senators will aim to control more time in the offensive zone and limit the Rangers chances at getting close to the net. Additionally, after being held without a power play goal two nights ago look for the Senators, who currently are converting 23.8% of their power plays, to strike while the iron is hot tonight should they get the chance
Roster notes
Head coach D.J. Smith mentioned after morning practice today that forward Dylan Gambrell will slot in for Derick Brassard, while goaltender Cam Talbot will get the start between the pipes.
Below is how the Senators lined up at this morning's practice in New York:
Forwards:
Tkachuk - Stützle - Giroux
DeBrincat - Pinto - Batherson
Motte - Gambrell - Joseph
Kelly - Kastelic - Watson
Brassard
Defense:
Chabot - Zub
Sanderson - Hamonic
Brannstrom - Holden
Zaitsev
Past history
Of course, these two played just two nights ago, however tonight's battle will mark the 103rd time these two franchises have met in the regular season with Ottawa leading the all-time series 47-52 with three ties as well. Additionally, these two have met in the playoffs twice before as well splitting series with New York winning in a hotly contested seven game series in the first round of the 2012 playoffs, while fans will remember the Senators took the 2017 conference semi-finals in six games. Two very familiar opponents will look to add the latest chapter to their story here tonight.
Who to watch
Captain Brady Tkachuk is on the verge of hitting a pair of milestones tonight in New York. When he hits the ice tonight it will mark his 300th career NHL game played, and if he tallies a goal on the night it will make for his 100th career NHL goal. Not too shabby of a start to an NHL career by any stretch of the imagination!
Brady currently leads the team in goals (9), assists (16) and points (25). Through 22 games played he is on pace to set career highs in all of those marks with 34 goals, 57 assists and 93 points, smashing his previous career highs of 30 goals, 37 assists and 67 points all set last season. Look for Tkachuk to add to his tallies here tonight, reach a new milestone and continue his torrid scoring pace.
Where to watch
Friday'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.
