Tonight marks the final showdown between two fierce Eastern Conference rivals, and both teams are entering this clash on the heels of a back-to-back schedule. The Senators are eager to claim their first victory against the Hurricanes, who have triumphed in both previous encounters this season, once in Ottawa and once on Long Island.
The Senators have been on a thrilling ride, pushing their last three games into overtime and emerging victorious each time. They’re aiming to extend this winning streak to four. A different hero has emerged in each of these victories. Drake Batherson delivered the overtime win against Pittsburgh, while Claude Giroux shone brightly against Columbus, scoring in regular time and clinching the win with a shootout slap shot.
The spotlight was on Brady Tkachuk in their most recent game, as he netted three of the Senators’ four goals, including the game-winner in overtime. The team’s success has also been bolstered by stellar goaltending, boasting a save percentage of 0.943% and a goals-against average of just 2.00 across these wins.
On the other side, the Hurricanes are riding high from a dramatic comeback win against the Toronto Maple Leafs. Trailing by two goals with only 1:32 left on the clock, Sebastian Aho scored twice to push the game into overtime, where the Hurricanes secured victory in a shootout. Currently positioned as one of the NHL’s most formidable teams, second in the Metropolitan Division, and fresh from a significant trade deadline acquisition in Jake Guentzel, the Hurricanes present a daunting challenge.
The Hurricanes excel in every aspect of the game, boasting top-ten rankings in goals scored, goals allowed, power play and penalty kill percentages, as well as shots taken and shots allowed. This leaves very little margin for error. With Kochetkov having manned the net last night, it’s likely Frederik Andersen will step in tonight, his fourth appearance since overcoming a health issue related to blood clotting. Expect an intense, hard-fought battle that lasts the full 60 minutes.