Opinion
3 min read

Will the Ottawa Senators Outmaneuver the New Jersey Devils at Prudential Center?

As the Ottawa Senators gear up for their next challenge against the New Jersey Devils, fans are eager to see if their team can turn around a string of recent performances. The upcoming game, scheduled at Newark's Prudential Center, is not just another match on the calendar; it's an opportunity for redemption.


Dec 29, 2023; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; Ottawa Senators defenseman Erik Brannstrom (26) skates with the puck in the second period against the New Jersey Devils  at the Canadian Tire Centre. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports

The Senators' last outing on March 10 against the San Jose Sharks ended in a narrow defeat with a final score of 2-1. Despite outshooting their opponents 32 to 21 and dominating faceoffs with a win percentage of 61 percent, they couldn't capitalize on their chances. Their powerplay did manage to convert once out of three opportunities, but it wasn't enough to secure victory.


Earlier in that week, on March 8 against the Los Angeles Kings, OTT showed resilience by pushing the game into overtime before succumbing with a final scoreline of 4-3. Their shooting percentage stood at an impressive ten percent and they managed to block an imposing total of nineteen shots. However, defensive lapses led to conceding four goals at even strength which ultimately cost them dearly.


Dec 29, 2023; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; New Jersey Devils defenseman Luke Hughes (43) skates to the bench following his goal scored in the third period against the Ottawa Senators at the Canadian Tire Centre. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports

In contrast, when facing off against Anaheim Ducks on March 7th, despite winning faceoffs sixty percent of the time and firing thirty shots towards goal – higher than Ducks' sixteen – they fell short by one goal ending with a scoreline of two goals to one in favor of Anaheim.


OTT has shown that they have what it takes offensively by consistently putting up more shots than their opponents and maintaining strong faceoff statistics across these games. However, converting these opportunities into goals has been where they've struggled most recently.


Dec 29, 2023; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; New Jersey Devils defenseman Brendan Smith (2) celebrates with team his goal scored in the third period against the Ottawa Senators at the Canadian Tire Centre. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports

The New Jersey Devils will be no easy opponent as they come into this game looking strong defensively and ready for battle. The Senators will need more than just possession; clinical finishing will be key if they are going to overcome NJ's resistance.


Fans should expect OTT's forwards to come out aggressively trying to break through NJ’s defense early in order not only set tone but also build confidence which could prove crucial down stretch especially considering how close previous games have been decided by fine margins.


With all eyes set towards March 23rd showdown at Prudential Center starting from 7:00 PM Eastern Time (ET), supporters can catch all action live ESPN+ online or MSGSN television network ensuring no moment missed from what promises be thrilling encounter between two determined sides seeking ascendancy within league standings.

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