Game 41: Ottawa Senators @ Chicago Blackhawks
Ottawa can't seem to catch a break, can they? Ten points out of the playoffs, and tonight they face the defending Stanley Cup champion Chicago Blackhawks. But the Blackhawks themselves are struggling, as they are currently in a three-way tie for 10th in the Western Conference. Chicago is 12-11-0 at the United Center (after going 29-8-4 last year) while Ottawa is 7-8-3 on the road, so this is close to a must-win game for both struggling teams.
To make things even harder for Ottawa, the Senators haven't won in Chicago since March 28, 2001. Will history be made?
Here's the players to keep an eye on in tonight's contest.
- Daniel Alfredsson: The Captain leads Ottawa in scoring, but has just two points (1G/1A) and a minus-4 in his last six games.
- Sergei Gonchar: Yeah, yeah, yeah, the minus-20. Whatever. Gonchar is the second leading defensemen in scoring and has 14 points in 17 games against Chicago in his career (oh and a plus-10).
- Erik Karlsson: In a season of disappointment, Erik Karlsson has a beacon of hope. He's only five points away from matching his total last season, and his been Ottawa's most exciting defensemen, if not player, this season. And to think, we were worried about a sophomore slump.
- Jonathan Toews: Chicago's captain and most dangerous player has his team on his shoulders. And as we saw in the Stanley Cup playoffs (and Olympics) he can, and will, deliver.
- Marty Turco: Yeah, he's having his worst season, but he's undefeated in regulation against Ottawa (3-0-1 with a 2.84 GAA in 5 games), and his GAA is 2.59 at home.
As always join us in the comments section for discussion, chips, and updates for Binghamton.
Oh and before I forget, a very special Happy Birthday to Peter Raaymakers. You know, the guy who made this website!
Lines from Sens Chirp
Michalek-Fisher-Alfredsson
Foligno-Regin-Kovalev
Smith-Kelly-Neil
Ruutu-Winchester-Shannon
