Game 63 Preview and Open Thread: Ottawa Senators versus Pittsburgh Penguins

No matter how badly things go for the Ottawa Senators, you can always count on superfan Kyle Dubas to find ways to cheer us up. Not only did Dubas destroy the Pens' cap situation by acquiring one of the best Sens of all time (on one of the most cumbersome contracts in the league) for a first round pick, KD shipped off a franchise legend to a hated rival without a guaranteed first coming back. Folks, it brings me immense joy to inform you that the Penguins will miss the playoffs in consecutive seasons for the first time in the Crosby era--couldn't happen to a less likeable group and also our former king.

The Penguins last played on Sunday and lost 4-0 to the Oilers. Sucks to suck (speaking from experience).

Game Notes

• The Penguins have struggled largely due to the fact that they cannot buy a goal this season (that won't get any easier without Guentzel). At five-on-five Pittsburgh generates slightly more than Ottawa (2.82 xGF/60) but they have zero shooting luck.
• On the powerplay they have the same problem. The Penguins' powerplay offence (9.61 xGF/60) ranks head and shoulders above the Sens but neither team can convert.
• The Penguins still play really sound defence with a five-on-five rate (2.66 xGA/60) pretty similar to Ottawa's and the Penguins actually get some saves from Tristan Jarry.
• On the penalty kill, Pittsburgh ranks very respectably (7.00 xGA/60) in a department where the Sens also do pretty well but the Penguins have gotten some of the best shorthanded goaltending in the league the season.
• All stats courtesy of naturalstattrick
• Zack Ostapchuk will make his NHL debut tonight, centering a line with Ridly Greig and Dominik Kubalik
• Ottawa Injuries: Thomas Chabot, Rourke Chartier, Travis Hamonic, Matthew Highmore, Zack MacEwen, and Josh Norris
• Pittsburgh: Jansen Harkins, Matt Nieto, and Drew O'Connor

Where to watch/listen: TSN5, RDS2, TSN1200 @7PM EST

Lines from Last Game

Ottawa Senators

Pittsburgh Penguins

Stats