Game 18: Ottawa Senators @ Toronto Maple Leafs
That six-game winning streak for the Ottawa Senators seems like a distant memory as they attempt to avoid a six-game losing streak tonight in Toronto against the Maple Leafs. Aside from starting slow, the Senators third period offence hasn't been there either, scoring only three goals in the third period during the losing streak. Tonight is also the hall-of-fame game with Doug Gilmour, Joe Nieuwendyk, Ed Belfour and Mark Howe. Jason Spezza was a Leafs and Gilmour fan growing up and is looking forward to festivities.
Despite his horror show last night, Craig Anderson will start for Ottawa. David Rundblad will make room for Brian Lee. Here are the lines:
Also, yours truly will be at the game, row 32 behind the net the Sens attack in first period! #OccupyToronto...though I guess I am the 1%. Talking points and statistics after the jump.
Here are tonight's talking points:
- Stop Phil Kessel: The Senators are allowing goals and Phil Kessel regularly scores against Ottawa. They have to stop him.
- Anderson rebounding: Craig Anderson was brutal and lasted less than three minutes. Is he going to be ready to go tonight?
- Lee comes back in: David Rundblad's return lasted only two games and Brian Lee hopes to help shore up the defence. Will the Senators win their first game of the season with Brian Lee playing?
- Penalty kill improving: The one area that has gotten better during the losing streak is the penalty kill. They are up to 22nd now after being 29th and 30th for most of the season. The Leafs are 29th.
- Leafs shaky goaltending: Anderson might be struggling, but the Leafs are countering with Ben Scrivens, he of the four career NHL games (and 38 in the AHL). He played very well in the last game, but if the Senators can score early, maybe they can get a few.
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