Opinion
3 min read

Senators Aim to Harness Thunder Against Tampa Bay in Sunshine Showdown

As the Ottawa Senators gear up for their next challenge against the Tampa Bay Lightning at Amalie Arena, fans are buzzing with anticipation. The Senators have been on a tear recently, and their performance on the ice suggests they could continue this trend.


Feb 19, 2024; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Lightning goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy (88) blocks a shot against the Ottawa Senators during the third period at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dave Nelson-USA TODAY Sports

Looking back at their recent game on March 31st against the Winnipeg Jets, Ottawa showcased a shorthanded strength that was nothing short of impressive. Despite being outnumbered, they managed to keep the Jets at bay while scoring three goals and maintaining a solid 11 percent shooting percentage. Their goaltending was impeccable with a save percentage of 100 percent, stopping all but two of the thirty shots faced.


The Senators' ability to capitalize on powerplays was evident as well; they scored one goal out of five opportunities against Winnipeg. This special teams prowess could be crucial in their upcoming game against Tampa Bay.


Feb 19, 2024; Tampa, Florida, USA; Ottawa Senators defenseman Jakob Chychrun (6) and Tampa Bay Lightning center Michael Eyssimont (23) battle for the puck during the second period at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dave Nelson-USA TODAY Sports

In another remarkable performance just days earlier on March 28th, Ottawa shut out the Chicago Blackhawks with an even-strength display that saw them win by two goals. Their faceoff win percentage stood at an impressive 61 percent that night at Canadian Tire Centre – a statistic that can significantly influence puck possession and ultimately game outcomes.


Perhaps most indicative of Ottawa's potential for success is their explosive outing against Buffalo Sabres on March 27th. The Senators dominated with six goals from forty-two shots – an outstanding shooting percentage of 14 percent – while also boasting strong defensive play by blocking eighteen shots and winning sixty percent of faceoffs.


Feb 19, 2024; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Lightning right wing Mitchell Chaffee (41) scores a goal against the Ottawa Senators during the second period at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dave Nelson-USA TODAY Sports

The Lightning will undoubtedly pose a formidable challenge; however, if OTT can maintain its recent form—especially in terms of shooting accuracy and special teams—they stand more than just a fighting chance to come out victorious in Florida.


Fans should expect an electrifying match where every shot counts and where OTT's resilience will be tested once again. Will they be able to harness this momentum and strike down TB? Only time will tell.


The puck drops for this highly anticipated matchup on April 11th at Amalie Arena in Tampa, FL. Fans can catch all the action live starting from 7:00 PM ET either online via ESPN+ or through traditional broadcast on BSSUN.

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