Game 29 Preview and Open Thread: Ottawa Senators @ Edmonton Oilers
The Sens are back at it again against McDavid and Co.
The Sens have been incredibly fun to watch this season but there are times like the first two periods of Monday’s game where they are just pure frustration. While they did wake up in the third, they learned the hard way that 20 minutes of play just won’t cut it. That being said, the Senators have proven time and again that they come out with a vengeance after a bad game and tonight they just need to come into this game at full speed and stay there.
If you believe in signs, DJ Smith putting together an almost perfect line combination should make you feel more even more excited about this game. Projected lines for tonight’s game based on this morning’s practice:
Stützle - White - Dadonov
Dzingel - Tierney - C.Brown
Paul - Anisimov - Watson
Chabot - Zaitsev
Reilly - Zub
Brannstrom - Gudbranson
Murray
Player Stats
| Game 31 | Ottawa | Senators | Toronto | Maple Leafs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Category | Player | # | Player | # |
| Goals | Brady Tkachuk | 10 | Auston Matthews | 21 |
| Assists | Thomas Chabot | 16 | Mitch Marner | 27 |
| Points | Thomas Chabot | 20 | Mitch Marner | 38 |
| Shots | Brady Tkachuk | 126 | Auston Matthews | 110 |
| Time on Ice/GP | Thomas Chabot | 25:33 | Morgan Reilly | 23:52 |
Player Stats
| Game 20 | Ottawa | Senators | Edmonton | Oilers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Category | Player | # | Player | # |
| Goals | Brady Tkachuk | 9 | Connor McDavid | 16 |
| Assists | Thomas Chabot | 16 | Connor McDavid | 32 |
| Points | Thomas Chabot | 19 | Connor McDavid | 48 |
| Shots | Brady Tkachuk | 124 | Connor McDavid | 110 |
| Time on Ice/GP | Thomas Chabot | 25:36 | Darnell Nurse | 25:36 |
Game Notes
- Tonight marks DJ Smith ‘s 100th career game as head coach, there are many mixed reviews about how he’s done so well but at this point it’s nice to see him evolve alongside the team. Let’s hope the boys win this one for him.
- Drake Batherson seems to have cooled down from his glory days of record setting streak but as always, he still provides chances otherwise. Let’s hope he gets back into the scoring column tonight.
- Kyle Turris was placed on COVID protocol, there are no clear updates on him as of yet but it doesn’t seem to be affecting the game tonight.
- The Sens power play is killing the team, it starts off with a few good chances then becomes completely inefficient. Power play goals may be the difference maker.
- Tim Stützle is 3 goals away from leading the rookie scoring, he had one beauty of a snipe last game. Two in a row tonight?
- Erik Gudbranson mentioned this morning that they’re at their best when they’re a physical team, while this could partially be true, the team needs to not lose sight of defense first against the likes of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. Leave the physicality to only necessary situations.
- Is tonight the night we see a Connor Brown breakaway goal? Probably not, but a fan can hope.
- You can catch the game tonight at 8:00PM Sportsnet or listen live at TSN1200/
