Game Soixante-Neuf Preview and Open Thread - Ottawa Senators @ New Jersey Devils

When I think of teams I want to watch the Ottawa Senators play against when the Sens semi-desperately need to get back on track, I don't think of the New Jersey Devils. Despite their proximity in the eastern conference standings, the Devils in my humble opinion have a way deeper, better-rounded roster that has enviable numbers across the board. The redeeming news for Ottawa? New Jersey has some significant injuries to navigate down the stretch so the Sens can probably jam a foot in the door with that bottom six and last pairing.

As we've discussed at length around these parts, the Sens still don't need to panic despite the last two games because Ottawa has a lot of points in the bank and the out-of-town scoreboard has really cooperated. That being said, every single one of us will breathe easier if the Sens can at least eke out a loser point on the road against a non-division team (who could still very well figure into Ottawa's postseason fate).

Game Notes:

• Last fall, I could not have imagined Ottawa this close to New Jersey in the eastern conference standings this late in season. I guess the Sens should stick that feather in their cap because it takes a good system to keep pace with a team that, on paper at least, has one of the deepest rosters in the league. On the other hand, the Devils have had their share of injuries and when you hire Toronto's ex-coach, people will question the clutchness of your team.
• The Devils do pretty much everything well. They get the majority of the even strength chances, they have a good powerplay, and they kill penalties effectively. They also have a really balanced roster and distribute minutes about as equally as any team in the league. I guess their goaltending has played just okay at times but still better than league average.
• So far, the Sens have admirably split this season series a game apiece and kept the combined box score close (4-3 in favour of the Devils). If Ottawa can keep this game within a goal then that will go a long way for everyone's confidence.
• The Devils have split their last ten games, five wins and five losses, and remain in that third seed position in their division. They allowed Calgary to come back and win 5-3 in New Jersey on Thursday (still better than the Sens on Thursday).
• You never would have guessed in when the Sens acquired Nick Jensen but I now consider absolutely indispensable–what a disaster without him.
• There are ten inter-conference games scheduled today. (Go, Western Conference Teams, Go.)

Ottawa Injuries: Nick Cousins, Nick Jensen

New Jersey Injuries: Dougie Hamilton, Jack Hughes, Curtis Lazar, Ondrej Palat, Jonas Siegenthaler

Devils lines from last game:

Where to watch/listen: SN1, TVAS2, TSN1200 @7PM EST

Stats