The Ottawa Senators (5-1-1) look to continue their hot start when they visit the Carolina Hurricanes (2-3-0).
In 2011-12, The Ottawa Senators (5-1-1) inched into the playoffs as the eight seed. Many pundits thought that the team would regress after a surprising season and would not be major contenders. However, all indications point to the opposite direction through seven games.
After a heart-breaking 2-1 overtime loss to the Penguins on Sunday, the Senators have won two straight including a 5-1 win over the Montreal Canadiens. The team has gotten tremendous play in all areas of the game this season, but will now be without top center Jason Spezza. Spezza is expected to undergo surgery for a herniated disk and will be out indefinitely. Spezza scored two and five assists through five games for the Senators.
Ottawa Leading Scorers
Points: Kyle Turris (7)
Goals: Kyle Turris (4)
Assists: Erik Karlsson, Daniel Alfredsson, Milan Michalek (4)
GAA: Craig Anderson (0.99 GAA)
SV %: Craig Anderson (.967)
The Hurricanes have not played since Monday when they were defeated 5-3 by the Boston Bruins. The team's only two victories came over the Buffalo Sabres and the team needs to start winning games to keep pace with first place Tampa Bay in the Southeast division. The team has gotten scoring from its top line on a consistent basis but of the Carolina's 14 goals, nine have been scored by Jeff Skinner and Eric Staal. Jordan Staal (five assists) has not scored his first goal for Carolina and summer acquisition Alex Semin has only registered one goal through five games.
Carolina Leading Scorers
Points: Jordan Staal (5)
Goals: Jeff Skinner (5)
Assists: Jordan Staal (5)
GAA: Dan Ellis (1.20 GAA)
SV %: Dan Ellis (.963)
Previous Encounters: The Two sides split last year's season series.
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CAR @ OTT |
CAR, 2 - 1 |
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OTT @ CAR |
CAR, 2 - 1 |
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CAR @ OTT |
OTT, 4 - 3 |
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OTT @ CAR |
OTT, 3 - 2 |
Predictions: Both teams are capable of winning this. I think Carolina slows Ottawa down a bit. 4-2 Carolina.
Start Time: 7 PM EST
TV: FS-Carolinas
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