Game #17 Hub: Ottawa Senators @ Carolina Hurricanes

Is there a term for the phenomenon when a hockey team dominates the shot counter and scoring chances, but loses due to a combination of poor finishing ability and untimely goaltending?

Fans in Carolina over the last decade would call that a "Canes-ing", and Sens fans are starting to really learn what that feels like with their play this season.

A hopeful thought? Carolina is proof that consistently outshooting and outchancing teams is a formula that leads to consistent playoff births – the Canes have made the playoffs in six straight seasons – even if they're still working towards turning that regular season success into a Cup Finals appearance. It'll be interesting to watch who controls the territorial battle tonight.

Here's how the Sens lined up at practice yesterday. I expect Jake Sanderson to play, but we'll see if David Perron comes in for Noah Gregor or if Linus Ullmark has a shot at redemption in net:

Meanwhile, here's how Carolina lined up during their Wednesday night loss to Utah, with the main change expected to be in goal as Spencer Martin suits up for his third game this season:

Game Notes:

• I don't know if there's ever a good time to face the Canes, especially at home and coming off of a frustrating loss, but they will be missing some key players tonight. Starting goaltender Frederik Andersen is out long-term with a lower-body injury, backup Pyotr Kochetkov is doubtful against Ottawa – meaning third-string Spencer Martin will be in net – and top threat Seth Jarvis isn't expected back at Canes practice until next week.
• Despite all of that, Carolina remains one of the league's best teams. There's threats up and down their lineup, with seven players on pace for 50+ point seasons. Aho and Svechnikov continue to be one of the most dangerous duos in the league, while Martin Necas seems to have taken his contract dispute personally as he's transformed into a destructive offensive force this season.
• How Carolina utilizes their defencemen continue to be fascinating, as their most played defender per game only averages 21:25 a contest. Their group of six might be the most balanced in the league, regardless if they're bonafide defenders like Slavin and Orlov, veterans like Burns and Gostisbehere, or newcomers like Sean Walker.
• Ottawa's typically "played up" to their opponents this season, with strong performances against the Panthers, Devils, Golden Knights, Rangers, and Leafs even if some of those games ended in losses. The only "stinker" from a process perspective came against the Avalanche in late October, which kicked off a string of solid 5-on-5 performances that have continued to date. As the statistics below indicate, Carolina is the league's best in many important areas, so tonight is the measuring stick of all measuring sticks, I would say...
• If David Perron does return to the lineup, I'll be watching with intense admiration. I can't imagine going through what him, his wife Vanessa, and their child Elizabeth are going through. You can read more about their story from S7S alum Callum Fraser here.
• If the Amadio - Pinto - Perron line is able to return to their early season form, it would give the Senators enviable depth throughout their lineup. Brady Tkachuk and Ridly Greig have really helped Josh Norris re-discover his 5-on-5 game.

Tonight's game starts at 7:00pm ET. You can watch on Sportsnet One or TVA Sports 2 in Canada and FDSNSO in the United States.

Stats

• from NHL.com and NaturalStatTrick.com