Welcome to meeting number two between the Sens and Cats; the first was in late October, and as Nathan Horton‘s face clearly summarizes above, it was one of those nights.
Ottawa’s first line – typically composed of Jason Spezza, Daniel Alfredsson, and Milan Michalek – is out. All of ’em. Combine that with a two-game losing streak and it’s almost laughably easy to surmise a cakewalk victory for Florida. Look a bit deeper into the Sens’ lineup, though, and the reality of some serious talent makes itself apparent: Ottawa still boasts the likes of Alex Kovalev (7 points in last three) and Mike Fisher (slipping of late with 1 assist in his past five games but leading the club with 32 points) up front. The Senators were given a day off Friday.
As usual, predictions as to which Panthers team will show up for this one are meaningless (diametrically opposed efforts resulting in an 0-2 record on the current three-game trip), but one subplot could see itself play out on the ice: Florida’s Nick Tarnasky and his bionic orbital bone may have something to discuss with Chris Neil.
For the Cats, Stephen Weiss has struggled mightily recently with a single assist (-2) in has past five games, while linemates Horton (5 points) and Michael Frolik (3 points) have fared a little better over the same period.
Here’s a peek at the October 28th game in Sunrise; keep your ears open for Ottawa’s goal scorers, and witness an end which is far too familiar…
On a far lighter note: A very happy – and very belated – birthday to injured Panthers forward Kenndal McArdle (January 4th)…my bad for dropping the ball on that.
Tonight’s Open Thread goes Live at 5pm.