Ottawa Senators look to stretch the winning run as they host Washington Capitals – NHL Preview
After a short, but successful road trip, the Ottawa Senators have returned home and will look to improve their record on home ice while hosting Washington Capitals in a National Hockey League (NHL) game on Wednesday, February 22, 2012, at Scotiabank Place,
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
The Capitals, who are also a strong force contending to reach the safe zone in the competitive NHL Eastern Conference, will seriously hurt their chances if they do not beat the Senators.
Let’s take a look at both these teams and weigh their chances in the game.
Senators
The Senators have just concluded a three-game road trip with a hundred per cent record, beating Tampa Bay Lightning (4-0), Florida Panthers (6-2) and New York Islanders (6-0).
As the scores suggest, the offence was brilliant and the defence was fabulous.
The Islanders were the recent victims, who saw the Senators scoring in every period.
Jason Spezza and Erik Karlsson scored two goals each while goaltender, Craig Anderson, got his third shutout of the season.
Karlsson said after the game:
"Everyone from offense to defence did the job today.”
He added:
"We all contributed today, especially Andy and the way he played in goal. Everyone did their job."
The point of concern for Ottawa, however, remains the poor home record.
Before taking to the road, the team played five games on the home ice and lost four.
But the winning run has certainly boosted players’ morale and a good performance on the rink is certainly expected of the Senators, who are ranked at seventh spot in the Eastern Conference with 70 points after 61 games.
Capitals
The Capitals are not very far away from reaching the safe zone, but they have to transform their desperation into aggressive game-play.
They are ranked at 10th spot in the Eastern Conference with 63 points after 59 games.
Currently on a four-game road trip, the Capitals are on a two-game losing streak.
They started the trip well after beating Florida Panthers (2-1), but surrendered against Tampa Bay Lightning (2-1) and Carolina Hurricanes (5-0).
After the defeat against Hurricanes, Capitals’ winger, Troy Brouwer, said:
"Normally, you can try and take some positives out of games. Tonight, nothing. You can't wipe it clean because you have to take it in, make sure you know what you're doing wrong, make sure you know why you lost."
Predictions
Considering the recent form of both these teams, Senators have an evident edge.
The sum of goals scored by both the teams might stay under six.
If Capitals win, the winning margin will be less than two goals.
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