Forty-eight hours after facing the NHL's worst team, the Ottawa Senators will square off against one of the best on Monday night.
In a clash of capitals, the Sens will take on the Washington Capitals in their final meeting of the season. The first two games were both settled in overtime, but they couldn't have been more different. Each team pulled three out of a possible four points from the two January matchups – the first was a defensive struggle with zero goals in regulation, while the second was an offensive explosion.
Season Series Recap:
January 16 – Capitals won 1-0 (OT). Alex Ovechkin snapped a scoreless draw with the OT winner.
January 30 – Senators won 5-4 (OT). On his 28th birthday, Thomas Chabot scored the game-winner for the Sens. They earned their third consecutive victory to hold steady among the Atlantic's big three.
But, oh, how the standings have changed since then.
The State Of Things (Still Not The 51st State)
The Sens just snapped a five-game skid on Saturday but needed some good fortune against the last-place San Jose Sharks. Down 2-1 in the third, Ottawa tied the game on a five-on-three power play after a puck over-glass call. Tim Stützle then capitalized on a lucky bounce off the glass that gave him a nearly open net to score on. That goal put the Sens ahead to stay.
Stutzle is current on an 11-game point streak (4G, 12A, 16 PTS). According to TSN 1200, Linus Ullmark is expected to start in net against Logan Thompson.
Ottawa is two points behind the Detroit Red Wings for the second Eastern wild-card spot with a game in hand. Tyler Kleven and Nick Cousins remain out with injuries.
The State Of Things in Washington
Washington has hit a rare rough patch, losing three straight games for the first time this season. But they continue to be the top team in the conference, 20 points ahead of Ottawa.
39-year-old Alex Ovechkin continues his pursuit of history. The Great Eight has 31 goals this season and 884 for his career. He's now 10 goals away from tying Wayne Gretzky’s all-time record and 11 away from breaking it.
Note the unusual face-off time of 6:30 pm (TSN5).
By Steve Warne
Site Editor | The Hockey News Ottawa
This article is from The Hockey News Ottawa. For more Sens coverage all season long, be sure to bookmark THN Ottawa. And check out the latest articles below:
Other recommended articles from THN Ottawa:
One on One With Former Ottawa Senator Goalie Andrew Hammond Ten Years After The Hamburglar Run
Gary Bettman Reduces Ryan Hartman's Suspension for Slamming Tim Stützle's Face Into The Ice
The Defensive Evolution Of Ottawa Senators Star Centre Tim Stützle