Opinion
3 min read

Senators Set to Tangle with Kraken at Climate Pledge Arena

As the Ottawa Senators gear up for their next challenge against the Seattle Kraken, fans are looking forward to what promises to be an intriguing matchup at Climate Pledge Arena. The Senators, coming off a mixed bag of recent performances, will need to tap into their resilience and strategic play if they hope to emerge victorious in this encounter.


Oct 24, 2022; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; Ottawa Senators goalie Magnus Hellberg (39) looks up the ice prior to the start of the second period against the Dallas Stars at the Canadian Tire Centre. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports

The Senators' last game on January 3 against the Vancouver Canucks was a tough outing that ended in a 6-3 loss. Despite putting up 38 shots and scoring three goals, the defensive side of their game struggled as they allowed six goals on just 26 shots. The plus-minus rating for that game was a concerning -9, indicating significant issues in maintaining control during even-strength play.


However, it's not all doom and gloom for OTT fans. Just two days prior on December 31, the team showcased their offensive prowess by netting five goals from only 31 shots against the Buffalo Sabres. Their shooting percentage stood at an impressive 16 percent that night – a testament to their efficiency in front of goal when they're on form.


One area where OTT has shown consistency is goaltending. In both aforementioned games, despite varied outcomes, Ottawa's goalies have maintained save percentages of 100 percent during power plays – an encouraging sign ahead of facing SEA's attackers.


The Seattle Kraken will pose a unique challenge with their home advantage and enthusiastic fan base ready to make things difficult for visiting teams. However, OTT has demonstrated before that they can rise above such challenges and deliver when it counts.


Looking ahead requires acknowledging past shortcomings while also building upon strengths; thus far this season Ottawa has shown flashes of brilliance interspersed with periods of vulnerability. For success against SEA, they'll need more than just flashes – they'll require sustained effort across all three periods.


OTT supporters should expect nothing less than full commitment from players who understand what it takes to win away from home ice. It’s crucial for them not only to capitalize on power plays but also tighten up defensively during even-strength situations where most goals seem to slip through.


The upcoming battle is set for January 5th at Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle – puck drop scheduled for late evening local time (10:00 PM EST). Fans unable or unwilling to brave the journey can catch all the action live nationally via ESPN+ or locally through ROOT Sports NW channel number 687.

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