Game 37 Preview and Open Thread: Ottawa Senators @ Dallas Stars

Without getting too far ahead of myself, it feels extremely tempting to say that the Ottawa Senators have more or less survived an exceptionally long road trip that many figured could end the season for this team. Yes, the Sens could still lose three games and send us all reeling but I guess this team has given me just enough confidence to say they'll eek out at least one more win before returning to Ottawa (and without Linus Ullmark or Anton Forsberg no less!).

The big news for Sens fans is that Artem Zub returns to the lineup tonight (though curiously on the third pair alongside Tyler Kleven). Here’s how Travis Green is projected to line ‘em up:

The Dallas Stars meanwhile look like a very good team again this year. They last played on Tuesday and beat Buffalo in regulation. They have the good goaltending you would expect. Their on-ice rates paint a picture of a structurally sound team that will continue to win on a regular basis should their goaltending continue to deliver. I wouldn't panic if the Sens fail to steal two points in Dallas, given the strength of this Stars team. With that said, a good showing tonight will help to solidify the Sens' case that they have put the past behind them and returned to relevance.

Game Notes

• Goaltending could once again determine the Sens' fate against a Dallas team that doesn't give up many goals. Ottawa's netminders have stolen a few games on this trip already. Obviously a nice defensive showing from Ottawa's skaters would bode better long term.
• On paper, the Sens can hang with the Stars at five-on-five in terms of expected goals (the Sens actually play better defense at five-on-five) but Dallas has scored more actual goals and those tend to matter a lot more in the standings.
• On special teams, Ottawa has had a lot more luck on the powerplay than Dallas even though the Stars do generate substantially more expected goals per 60 so I don't recommend tempting fate (also Dallas has one of the few teams in the league that draws even more penalties than Ottawa).
• Dallas has a better penalty kill than Ottawa both in terms of limiting chances and getting saves so the Sens' shouldn't bank on the powerplay bailing them out.
• Dallas still has some of the most egregiously hideous jerseys in professional sports.

Injuries:

Ottawa: Michael Amadio, David Perron, Linus Ullmark

Dallas: Tyler Seguin, Mason Marchment

Where to watch/listen: RDS2 TSN5 TSN1200 @8PM EST

Dallas Stars‘ Lines from last game:

Stats