Game 46 Preview and Open Thread: Ottawa Senators @ Calgary Flames
Some west coast action coming up
Coming off a perfect 4-0 win against the Montreal Canadiens, the Ottawa Senators will continue to put another team fighting for the final playoff spot on their heels. The big question tonight will be, how will Matt Murray play as consistency has been his worst enemy this season.
The Flames were grateful for the Sens last win but tonight, it’s their turn to fight off the mighty spoiler energy. I expect a fiery game from the Flames and nothing short of pure entertainment from a team who has everything to lose against a team just proving they can win games.
Lines for tonight’s game as per yesterday’s practice
Stützle - White - Dadonov
Formenton - Pinto - C. Brown
Paul - Tierney - Amadio
Chabot - Zaitsev
Brännström - Zub
Mete - J. Brown
Murray (starter)
Forsberg
- Game Notes
Remember when we were all happy Gudbranson was traded because it meant more of a chance for the younger guys? Well, DJ Smith found a replacement. The fact that Josh Brown is getting more opportunities over JBD is well, interesting? - As I mentioned above, Matt Murray’s performance tonight probably means more than anything else in the game. I am hoping for another strong showing from him because Murray finding his game is only another advantage for the team moving forward.
- Brady Tkachuk tends to have more quiet games against the Flames but it would be nice to see a dominant performance from him against his brother tonight.
- How good is Drake Batherson?
- The Calgary Flames desperately need this win if they have any chance at that final playoff spot. The Canadiens are six points ahead with two games in hand so it’s quite the uphill battle for the Flames.
- Catch the game tonight at 9:00 PM on Sportsnet, RDS or listen live at TSN1200/
Player Stats
| Game 56 | Ottawa | Senators | Toronto | Maple Leafs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Category | Player | # | Player | # |
| Goals | Connor Brown | 20 | Auston Matthews | 40 |
| Assists | Thomas Chabot | 25 | Mitch Marner | 47 |
| Points | Brady Tkachuk | 35 | Mitch Marner | 67 |
| Shots | Brady Tkachuk | 214 | Auston Matthews | 214 |
| Time on Ice/GP | Thomas Chabot | 26:17 | Morgan Rielly | 23:41 |
Team Stats
| Game 56 | Ottawa | Senators | Toronto | Maple Leafs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Category | # | Rank | # | Rank |
| Goals/GP | 2.75 | 19th | 3.35 | 5th |
| Goals Against/GP | 3.38 | 28th | 2.59 | 7th |
| Shots/GP | 29.7 | 17th | 31.1 | 7th |
| Shots Against/GP | 32.1 | 27th | 27.9 | 5th |
| Powerplay % | 15.9 | 26th | 20.3 | 16th |
| Penalty Kill % | 78.9 | 21st | 77.7 | 24th |
| Corsi % (5v5 SVA) | 48.5 | 21st | 50.92 | 11th |
| xGF % (5v5 SVA) | 50.18 | 22nd | 55.28 | 2nd |