Ottawa Senators to Challenge New York Islanders: Who Will Dominate at UBS Arena?

As the Ottawa Senators gear up for their next face-off against the New York Islanders at UBS Arena, fans are eagerly anticipating what promises to be an electrifying match. The Senators, coming off a mixed bag of recent performances, are looking to assert their dominance on the ice. This preview delves into what fans can expect from both teams in this upcoming clash.

Recent Performance Trends

The Ottawa Senators have shown a varied performance in their recent games. With a notable victory against the Pittsburgh Penguins, where they showcased an impressive offensive and defensive play by shutting out their opponents with five goals and keeping a clean sheet thanks to stellar goaltending that saved all 29 shots faced. This game highlighted the Senators' potential when they find their rhythm, particularly in even-strength situations and power plays where they capitalized efficiently.

However, this high was followed by a setback against the Buffalo Sabres, where despite having more shots on goal, they were unable to convert any into points leading to a loss without scoring. This inconsistency has been a theme for the Senators; dominating one game and then struggling in another raises questions about which team will show up at UBS Arena.

Key Factors for Success

For Ottawa, capitalizing on power plays appears crucial. Their success against Pittsburgh was partly due to effective power play execution. Additionally, maintaining strong goaltending as seen in recent matches will be vital for keeping them competitive against the Islanders.

The defensive strategy also needs tightening; while they've shown capability in blocking shots and winning faceoffs at times, consistency is key. Improving faceoff win percentages could provide them with more control over the game's pace and possession – an area that fluctuated across past games but showed promise during moments of victory.

Looking Ahead

As we look towards this matchup at UBS Arena scheduled for January 14th at 7:30 PM EST – available for viewing on ESPN+ and MSGSN – it's clear that if Ottawa can harness their demonstrated strengths while addressing areas of inconsistency, they stand a good chance of overcoming the New York Islanders. Fans should keep an eye on how well Ottawa executes its power plays and whether their goaltending can continue its robust form.

This encounter between two teams eager to assert themselves promises excitement and is not one fans will want to miss out on witnessing live or through broadcast networks provided.

Remember to share your thoughts on how you think this game will unfold! Share this article with fellow hockey enthusiasts who are keenly waiting for this thrilling showdown.