Game 25 Hub: Ottawa Senators vs Detroit Red Wings

3rd in shots per game. 9th in shots against per game. 3rd-best power-play. 29th in the overall standings. Why do we even bother with posting stat tables anymore? Does nothing matter?

The Ottawa Senators have won just 2 of their last 9 games, but are miraculously only 5 points out of a playoff spot with a game in hand. It's not because of anything they've done – it's more that a bunch of teams have been disappointing. Against one such team in the Detroit Red Wings tonight, which of these pre-season contenders turned pretenders gather themselves enough to collect two points?

If the Sens are looking for inspiration, the Pizza Line will be reunited tonight in a tribute to the franchise’s glory years. Maybe Daniel Alfredsson can channel some of that magic behind the bench?

Lines will be updated closer to puck drop, as the team didn't have a morning skate today.

Game Notes:

• I was critical of Brady Tkachuk last season for seemingly saving his best hockey for when the team was out of contention. This time around, he's more than done his job – there just hasn't been much else outside of him, Tim Stützle and Drake Batherson up front. No disrespect to Adam Gaudette, but if he's your sixth-most productive forward, you aren't a good team.
• To my point, Shane Pinto has been the spitting image of Rourke Chartier since returning from his injury last month. 0 points in the last 11 games. Ouch.
• Seriously, how is a team with a 65% success rate on the penalty kill ahead of the Ottawa Senators? Pain.
• Puck drop is set for 7:00 pm, and the game is available on TSN5, RDSI, and TSN 1200.

Stats: