Tuesday, Jan. 13 - Returning to Continental Airlines Arena tonight for the first time since their dramatic game 6 overtime win in the Eastern Conference Final last season, the Ottawa Senators will be looking for their first win in three tries against the New Jersey Devils this season (preview). Ottawa is 0-2-0-0 against the Devils with both losses coming by one goal at the Corel Centre. The Senators are closing out a road trip that saw them open up with an offensive flurry against Toronto (recap) but then skate to a loss in Buffalo (recap) and a draw in Carolina (recap). Following tonight's game, Ottawa plays host to the New York Islanders at the Corel Centre on Thursday (2,800 tickets remain - preview).
SEASON RECORD AND THIS WEEK'S GAMES (Jan. 12-18): The Senators record stands at 22-11-6-3 after 42 games (53 pts Eastern Conference standings). The 15th week in the NHL sees Ottawa play three games, two of them at home. Ottawa opens the week wrapping up a four-game road-trip in New Jersey against the Devils tonight (Jan. 13 - preview). They return home to welcome the New York Islanders on Thursday (Jan. 15 - 2,800 tickets remain - preview) and Boston Bruins on Saturday (Jan. 17 - 250 tickets left - preview).
LINE-UP UPDATE: Patrick Lalime will make his third straight start in goal tonight against against New Jersey. Sunday's game saw the injured players continue to be: Antoine Vermette (left shoulder); Mike Fisher (elbow); Anton Volchenkov (right shoulder); and Vaclav Varada (ACL left knee). Shane Hnidy, again, was the only healthy scratch for the second consecutive game.
Yup, I don't know what Hossa has to do to get some respect / props in the league. He's 3rd in goals, top 5 in points, and not even a whisper about the Hart trophey.....
Good win by the boys tonight, 2-1-1 in the 4 game road trip, keeping the heat on the Leafs and keeping the rest of the streaking teams in the East at bay.
Yup, I don't know what Hossa has to do to get some respect / props in the league. He's 3rd in goals, top 5 in points, and not even a whisper about the Hart trophey.....
Hossa's slower start was not surprising. Usually, in the past, it was Alfredsson who had to play against the opposing teams' top defensive pairings, but now I'd say Hossa get's the attention, or just as much. Its no coincidence that Alfredsson's numbers could be his highest ever, since he is getting more freedom. Hossa is adjusting to the pressure now after a rough stretch in November for all of the team. I do think its premature to say Hossa should be considered Hart Trophy material though Devon. Now only if Havlat could take off, then we could really do some damage.
CBSSportsline moves Ottawa into number 1 spot in their power rankings, features a Sens story on their main NHL page that includes:
"
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- The crowd booed the New Jersey Devils in the second period and left halfway through the third.
The Ottawa Senators didn't just beat the slumping Stanley Cup champions 4-0 on Tuesday night, they embarrassed them.
...etc
"
I think the boat is righted again. It was hard to take the bashing with a smile when Ottawa was in a tail spin. But not so hard that I felt the need to leave, and then come back and bash the Leafs once we were winning again. :]
__________________ "It's not the way it's going to be. We have to be very, very patient and build this the right way. We have to go through a process. It may be painful. I hope it isn't. But we're prepared for all the bumps and pratfalls and potholes in the road ahead. I'm prepared for it anyway, or I wouldn't have come." - Ron Wilson, Head Coach of the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Sens @ Devils
Sens @ Devils
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