Game Day Five: Senators at Stars, Dec. 8
By
Daniel Chisholm
Hockey Content and Social Media Specialist
The set-up
For the second, and final, time this season the Ottawa Senators will face-off against the Dallas Stars, this time in Dallas. The last time they met the Senators walked away with a 4-2 victory during their incredible opening homestand in October. Since then, Dallas has had a strong outing currently sitting in a tie with Winnipeg for the top of the Central Division. They have found themselves in this position largely behind the scorching effort of Jason Robertson who currently leads the league in goals with 23 and is third in points with 41. The Senators will have their work cut out for them slowing down Robertson who is on a 19-game point streak.
The Senators on the other hand have won 4 of their last six games and are in the midst of a three-game road win streak. We saw just what this team is capable of on any given night when faced with their first back-to-back of the season. Captain Brady Tkachuk put on one of the greatest performances of his career to help the Senators walk out of New York with the overtime victory before they came back to Canadian Tire Centre and ousted the San Jose Sharks in a revenge effort. The Senators may also have a little extra fuel for the fire following their game against the Kings that left them ready to turn the page for this game against Dallas.
Roster notes
The Senators recalled defenceman Dillon Heatherington from Belleville yesterday. Additionally, D.J. Smith mentioned that forward Dylan Gambrell will come in tonight while Parker Kelly slots out for the evening.
Below is how the Senators lined up during the teams skate this morning at American Airlines Center:
Forwards:
Tkachuk - Stützle - Giroux
DeBrincat - Pinto - Batherson
Motte - Gambrell - Joseph
Brassard - Kastelic - Watson
Kelly
Defense:
Chabot - Zaitsev
Sanderson - Hamonic
Brannstrom - Holden
Heatherington
Past History
These two interconference foes have only met 43 times all-time with Dallas having a narrow edge 23-20. Following their win at home back in October, the Senators are riding a four-game win streak and have taken nine of the last eleven games. A win tonight would tie the longest win streak against the Stars in franchise history. Look for the Senators to keep that streak alive and well.
Who to watch
Defenceman Thomas Chabot has been playing some really good hockey since coming back from injury. He's also noticeably been noticeable active on the offensive side of the puck this season, including last game against LA when he was involved in both goals scored by the senators. Chabot recently mentioned that he has taken a conscious effort to put more shots on net, especially on the power play, and it shows as he is currently tied for the most power play goals by a blue liner this season with four.
The last time the Senators played the Stars during their initial home stand, Chabot made his presence felt. Leaving the ice with a goal and an assist for two points, with seven shots on goal all while playing 26:34 over the game. Look for Chabot to continue his stellar play here tonight and pick up where he left off the last time he saw this Stars team.
Where to watch
Thursday'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.
