Lightning vs. Senators Preview

The Tampa Bay Lightning make the final stop on their five-game road trip in Ottawa to take on the Senators. Tampa Bay has won all four games of the road trip and have earned points in each of their last six games.

Tampa Bay won their previous meeting against the Senators 5-3 in Ottawa on November sixth. Brian Elliot made his second start of the season and got the win, saving 24 of 27 Ottawa shots. Ondrej Palat led the way with a goal and two assists in the win.

Ottawa comes in with a 7-16-1 record and currently sit tied for last in the Atlantic Division and the Eastern Conference with the Montreal Canadiens. Ottawa will come in well rested. Their last game came on Tuesday at home, a 5-3 loss against the New York Islanders.

Ottawa’s Season Point Leaders:

1. Drake Batherson- 8 G, 13A, 21P

2. Josh Norris- 11G, 7A, 18P

3. Brady Tkachuk (C)- 11G, 7A, 18P

The Senators have been disappointing this season. Their core of young players were expected to make a jump this season and potentially contend for a playoff spot. Much of their undoing has been to a lack of stability in goal. They have three goalies who have each made at least six starts, none of which have save percentages below .900.

This early afternoon game to wrap up the road trip is a classic trap game. The Lightning have been rolling lately, with some big wins against some very tough opponents. Ottawa does not present the most taunting challenge and the early start time could be difficult for the Lightning. Despite getting some solid results of late, the Lightning have not started well in those games. They will have to be ready from the jump for Ottawa, especially since the Senators have been waiting for the Lightning since Tuesday.

Tampa Bay Point Leaders:

1. Steven Stamkos- 13G, 19A, 32P

2. Victor Hedman- 5G, 22A, 27P

3. Alex Killorn- 8G, 15A, 23P

Steven Stamkos has been on a tear of late. He had a goal and three assists Thursday night in the win over Toronto.

The Lightning are hopeful that Anthony Cirelli (upper body) will be back in the lineup after missing Thursday’s game in Toronto.

Tampa Bay may turn to Brian Elliot (3-1-1, 2.74 GAA, .909 sv%) to make his sixth start of the season and second against Ottawa. The Senators will likely turn to Anton Forsberg (4-4-0 3.79 GAA, .895 sv%). Forsberg has made the majority of the starts in recent outings, winning three in a row.

This will be a difficult challenge for the Lightning if they are to end the road trip perfect. Ottawa has only won seven games on the season, with wins coming against several of the league’s top teams. They have defeated Colorado, Carolina, Pittsburgh and Toronto.