Ottawa Senators Aim to Outmaneuver Buffalo Sabres in Upcoming Duel
As the Ottawa Senators prepare to face off against the Buffalo Sabres at KeyBank Center, fans are eagerly anticipating what promises to be an enthralling encounter. The Senators come into this game with a notable track record, having secured a hard-fought victory over the New York Islanders on March 16th with a score of 4-3 after overtime. This win was characterized by their resilience and strategic powerplay, which saw them convert two out of three opportunities.
The Senators' performance against the Islanders showcased their ability to capitalize on powerplay chances, boasting an impressive 71 percent faceoff win rate during these crucial moments. Their goaltending was also stellar, saving all but three of the 33 shots faced. This kind of defensive solidity will be crucial when they step onto the ice in Buffalo.
In contrast, while analyzing past performances, it's clear that special teams could play a significant role in determining the outcome of this upcoming game. The Sabres have shown vulnerability when down a man and will need to be wary of giving up penalties against an Ottawa team that has recently thrived in such situations.
Looking back at another recent game for OTT on March 14th against Columbus Blue Jackets reveals further strengths – including their ability to stay composed through overtime and shootouts – where they emerged victorious with a scoreline reading 3-2.
The Senators' tenacity is evident not only from their wins but also from how they handle adversity during games. For instance, despite being outshot by Pittsburgh Penguins on March 12th at Canadian Tire Centre, OTT managed to secure another win (2-1) thanks largely due to their efficient even-strength play and solid goaltending which allowed only one goal from 35 shots.
It's worth noting that BUF will present its own set of challenges for OTT; however, given recent form and statistics favoring Ottawa – especially in terms of powerplay efficiency and goaltending – there is reason for optimism among Senator fans.
As we look ahead towards what promises to be an exciting matchup between these two teams, it’s clear that if Ottawa can maintain discipline while exploiting powerplays as effectively as they have been doing recently; they stand a good chance at leaving KeyBank Center with another notch added to their victory column.
Fans eager not to miss any action can tune into ESPN+ online or catch the broadcast on MSG-B TV when puck drops at KeyBank Center on March 27th at 7:00 PM EDT.