The set-up
The Sens (3-8-1) suffered a narrow 3-2 loss to Boston Tuesday night that saw them fall to 0-4-1 in their last five games.
Los Angeles (7-5-1) are the hottest team in the NHL right now, having won six straight games, including two straight on the road after wins over Toronto and Montreal.
During their winning streak, the Kings haven't conceded more than two goals per game, and unsurprisingly, they sit seventh in goals against in the NHL at 2.62.
Ottawa's 2.50 goals a game ranks 28th in the league and part of the reason for that are their recent power play struggles where the team is 1-for-19 in their last five games.
The Senators rank in the Top 10 in goals scored in both the first and second period but their five goals in the third are the fewest in the NHL. On the flip side, the Kings' 16 third period goals are tied for the sixth most.
The Kings shoot the puck a lot, averaging 34.6 shots a game, the sixth most in the NHL. Ottawa averages 4.9 shots less per game.
Roster notes
The Senators added Alex Formenton and Matt Murray to the NHL's Covid-19 Protocol earlier today, joining Connor Brown, Josh Brown, Dylan Gambrell, Nick Holden, Victor Mete and Austin Watson.
In a corresponding move, d-men Dillon Heatherington and Lassi Thomson were recalled from Belleville as was forward Andrew Agozzino.
Heatherington will play tonight, making his Sens debut and playing in just his 12th NHL game and first since Nov. 10, 2018.
Head coach D.J. Smith also confirmed that Scott Sabourin will draw back in and Filip Gustavsson will start in goal.
Previous history
The Sens are 14-19-4, with two ties, all-time against the Kings. However, 10 of those 14 wins have come on home ice with the Sens winning four of the last five games at Canadian Tire Centre.
In four games against the Kings, Brady Tkachuk has notched four assists and is a +6 while as a Senator, Chris Tierney has three goals in four games.
Who to watch
Zach Sanford buried his first goal with the Sens Tuesday night and for the second straight game, looks set to play alongside Norris and Tkachuk.
He has two points in 12 games and is averaging 12:19 a night. His 25 hits are tied for the fifth most on the team.
Where to watch
Thursday's game can be seen live on TSN5 and RDS2 at 7pm. Fans can also tune into the radio call on TSN 1200 and Unique FM 94,5.
