Game 3 Preview and Open Thread: Ottawa Senators vs. Winnipeg Jets

The Ottawa Senators impressed many in their first two games and while the second game didn’t go as planned, there were so many positives to take from their loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs. Tim Stützle scored his first NHL goal and it’s been very difficult since to not watch that goal over and over again.

Nick Paul continues to be a pleasant surprise and he was rewarded in Game 2 where he opened the scoring against the Leafs. Brady Tkachuk and Thomas Chabot expectedly have been a huge part of any good fortunes for the Sens and Matt Murray proved that he can handle back to back action extremely well.

The Winnipeg Jets are coming off a 3-1 loss to the Maple Leafs last night and while the Sens will have the advantage of being the more rested team; they will also have the advantage of playing the Jets without their star player Patrik Laine who remains out with injury.

Game Notes:

• Tim Stützle is out tonight with a minor injury. According to DJ Smith it is just a nagging injury and the team is just being cautious. Let’s hope this is an extremely short term manner. Based on the thorough analysis of our Brandon Maki, it does seem that the Jake Muzzin uncalled check could be the culprit./

Unless there’s a non-contact thing we missed, I’m not sure what could have hurt Stützle aside from Muzzin’s crosscheck. I’ve watched both games twice. Said it at the time, but the NHL needs to get these plays out of the game. #GoSensGo https://t.co/QWTN65EHWi

— Brandon Maki (@BrandonMaki_) January 19, 2021

• Stützle definitely had some nerves in his first game but managed to settle in. It seems though in Game 2, he got more comfortable and was able to read the ice better. DJ Smith rewarded him with more ice time giving him almost 15 minutes of play. Assuming the injury really is day-to-day, I expect him to be earning more ice time on a consistent basis.
• The Winnipeg Jets had a bit of a scare last week where they were held from their practice and workouts on Saturday due to a potential COVID-19 exposure. Thankfully for all involved, they were able to return to play after it was deemed that the cancellation was just a cautious move.
• The power play hasn’t been very effective for the Sens, especially in Game 2. We have yet to see the Dadonov power play magic come to work
• Both Josh Norris and Drake Batherson have been buzzing. They both look NHL ready in the first two games and I expect some offensive rewards from them soon.
• Colin White remains the most controversial player on the team. There seems to be a bit of discontent from management and while he didn’t dazzle in Game 2, in my opinion he would certainly be a better option than Paquette or Watson on any night. He’s looking to be a scratch again tonight.
• Galchenyuk is slated to play his first game with the Senators tonight, I don’t think many Sens fans have high expectations from him but I expect him to surprise us all.
• Derek Stepan 16 minutes in Game 2 and while he did impress in Game 1, he seemed to be frustrating more than effective in his second game. I don’t expect him to see lower minutes but at some point, DJ Smith will need to ensure that the younger players get more chances than the mentor.
• The Sens were outshot 40-19 against the Leafs on Saturday, Matt Murray is the sole reason the score was only 3-2. Performances like this are not sustainable and DJ Smith needs to make sure the team does a better job not allowing these shots to come through. It will be interesting to see how the team responds tonight in terms of shots but also how they perform on the power play which may have cost them their previous game.
• The Winnipeg Jets will be dressing the same lineup they did against the Leafs with the exception of starting Laurent Brossoit in net.
• In game 2, the Ottawa Senators presented O Canada in English, French, and Anishinaabemowin which was incredible to see and hopefully a tradition of indigenous language awareness that continues throughout the season.
• Reminder, the SensMOTB campaign is ongoing for the entire season. Head over for some pledges if you haven’t all ready. All proceeds will go to the Canadian Blood Services in honour of Brian Fraser./

Sens Money on the Board is back! Here are the details for how to pledge and donate for 2021 👇 https://t.co/F5V46qC89z

— #FraserSensMotB (@SensMotB) January 14, 2021

• Puck drop is at 7 p.m; you can watch the game on TSN5, RDS, or TSN 1200!/