Game 33 Preview and Open Thread: Ottawa Senators @ Vancouver Canucks
Ottawa comes into Vancouver white-hot, and looking to continue their strong play into the Christmas break.
The Ottawa Senators are one of the hottest teams in the NHL, and find themselves firmly in a play-off spot 32 games into the regular season. Pinch yourselves Sens fans, this is no dream.
Ottawa will take on a Vancouver team that are currently on the outside looking in when it comes to the Western Conference play-offs. That doesn't mean the Sens should be taking the Canucks lightly: Vancouver actually boasts a better record than Ottawa and they have the star power to run with anyone in the league. They also employ Erik Brännström, and that should never be undersestimated.
Here's how the Sens are expected to line 'em up tonight:
Projected lines for a late night battle in Vancouver 💪#GoSensGo | @UpperDeckSports pic.twitter.com/FAPlHUdqRJ
— Ottawa Senators (@Senators) December 21, 2024
Game Notes:
-Leevi Meriläinen gets the start tonight, and it will be his first NHL appearance since the 2022-23 season. He's posted a .901 save percentage so far this year in Belleville.
-What else can you say about Linus Ullmark at this point? He's up to a .916 SV% on the season now, and he's been absolutely elite over the course of the five game winning streak. Saving him for tomorrow night's game against the Oilers is the smart move, and doing everything possible to keep him healthy is of the utmost importance.
-After a goal and a generally very strong performance on Thursday night vs. Calgary, Ridly Greig slides back into the top six at the expense of Adam Gaudette. Gaudette's been a pleasant surprise so far this year, but he's ultimately better suited to the fourth line and I don't think there's a better candidate to step into his place than Greig. Let's see if he sticks this time.
-Elias Pettersson has "struggled" to "only" 26 points in 32 games, and has been the subject of some withering criticism from the Canucks' fanbase. The Sens would do well to not take for granted that his drought will continue, he's simply too talented to stay cold forever.
-Puck drop is 10pm EST, and will be the second game on Hockey Night in Canada – so maybe we'll hear a little bit about them on the intermission panel? Eh? Eh?
-You can also watch on TVA2 or listen along on TSN1200.
