ottawa senators sens

Photo: Getty Images / Jana Chytilova

The Rangers are coming off two very strong wins against Vancouver and Carolina where they played the game the way we’ve come to expect. They dominated both games through and through, both on the ice and on the scoreboard (yes, there’s a difference).

The Sens are struggling mightily right now. They’ve given up 11 goals in the past two games to noted offensive juggernauts the Devils and the Islanders. They’ve also given up a whopping 28 goals in their past six games. Suffice it to say, the goaltending and the defense are slightly suspect, especially without Marc Methot. Kyle Turris is hurt as well.

This is another opportunity for the Rangers to really build on what they’ve put together the last two games. They’ve played relatively solid team defense, they’ve generated sustained offense, and they’ve capitalized on chances. A third win in a row, for the first time since their nine game win streak, would be nice.

Sens Systems

Under Dave Cameron, the Sens have simplified their game a bit. They play an aggressive 2-1-2 forecheck, sending two guys in to pressure the puck. They sometimes leave them high in the zone, setting up two at the blue line and one at the red line to clog the neutral zone. In the defensive zone, the Sens play a strong side overload, which is similar to what the Rangers play. The difference is that the Sens go into a low zone collapse if the puck gets to the weak side point, whereas the Rangers switch to man when the puck gets deep.

On special teams, the Sens run a standard umbrella powerplay and a hybrid penalty kill.

Sens Lines

Milan Michalek-Mika Zibanejad–Bobby Ryan
Mike Hoffman-Jean-Gabriel Pageau-Mark Stone
Matt Puempel-Zack Smith-Curtis Lazar
Shane Prince-Max McCormick-Chris Neil

Mark Borowiecki-Erik Karlsson
Patrick Wiercoch-Cody Ceci
Jared Cowen-Chris Wideman

PP1: Ryan-Zibanejad-Hoffman-Stone-Karlsson
PP2: Ryan-Hoffman-Zibanejad-Stone-Karlsson

PK: Smith, Lazar, Zibanejad, Stone, Borowiecki, Cowen, Karlsson

Craig Anderson gets the start

Rangers Lines

Mats Zuccarello–Derick Brassard–Jesper Fast
Chris Kreider–Derek StepanJ.T. Miller
Viktor StalbergOscar Lindberg–Kevin Hayes
Tanner GlassDominic Moore–Daniel Paille

Ryan McDonaghKevin Klein
Marc StaalDan Boyle
Keith YandleDan Girardi

PP1: Nash-Zuccarello-??-Boyle-McDonagh
PP2: Kreider-Miller-Stepan-Yandle-Klein

PK: Nash, Stepan, Moore, Lindberg, Fast, McDonagh, Staal, Klein, Yandle, Girardi

Henrik Lundqvist is in net.

Scratches/Injuries: Dylan McIlrath (healthy), Rick Nash (leg)

Crazy Prediction: A shutout for Hank. Been a while since we’ve had one of those.

Be sure to check out our ticket link if you’re looking for tickets to the game. Game time is 3pm on MSG. All gifs will be on nyrgifs.com.

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