Game 16 Preview + Open Thread: Ottawa Senators @ Toronto Maple Leafs

The Ottawa Senators may have the worst record in the National Hockey League, but they’re 2-2 in the games that count, i.e. those against the Leafs and Habs. They will look to take a second game off Toronto tonight, while also going for two straight wins for the first time this season.

Both teams played two days ago, with Ottawa beating Winnipeg 2-1 on the back of a 31-save performance from Marcus Hogberg, and Toronto losing to Montreal by that same score. While yesterday was a great sign for the team’s goaltending, there still exists the other issue of the players’ inability to finish on their chances. GM Pierre Dorion attempted to remedy this by re-acquiring Ryan Dzingel, the team’s leading goalscorer from three seasons ago, on Saturday. However, he’ll be in quarantine until March 1st, so any amount of increased scoring today will have to come from players breaking out of slumps, such as Drake Batherson, who has shot 2.6% this season. And there’s no better opponent to do it against than the Maple Leafs, am I right? Especially since tonight’s tilt is the start of a three-game series of the Battle of Ontario.

Here’s how the team lined up during the morning skate, with Marcus Hogberg starting in goal:

Game Notes:

• It’s not just Batherson for whom the puck hasn’t gone in. Aside from Chabot, no other Sens defensemen have scored a goal this year. Most of these guys aren’t necessarily known for their scoring touch but on 98 shots? That’s a bit hard to believe.
• Tim Stützle has gone pointless in five games since his three-point performance against the Habs. He hasn’t been as noticeable as in past games, but that may be a good thing, as there have also been very few egregious mistakes that are common for players his age. This has translated into improved on-ice metrics; in his last three games, he’s posted a 5v5 xGF% of 90.36, 69.96, and 51.98.
• The Leafs’ power-play is fourth-best in the league, so the key tonight is to stay disciplined. The Senators have done well recently in this regard, only taking four minor penalties in their last three games.
• With Matt Murray still out, Joey Daccord has been recalled from the taxi squad, in order to back up Hogberg.
• Follow this link if you’re curious about how the Leafs are lining up in tonight’s game.

Stats (per NHL.com and NaturalStatTrick.com):

Be sure to tune in at 7:00 PM EST on TSN4, TSN5, RDS, or TSN 1200 (radio)!