As the Ottawa Senators gear up to face the Toronto Maple Leafs at Scotiabank Arena, fans are bracing for what promises to be a riveting match. The Senators' recent performance on September 24 against the Maple Leafs offers a glimpse into their potential strategy and areas for improvement.

Sep 24, 2022; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Ilya Samsonov (35) makes a save against the Ottawa Senators during the first period at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports

In that game, despite a strong start with an early goal in the first period, the Senators struggled to maintain momentum. With only 20 shots on goal and a shooting percentage of just 5 percent, it's clear that offensive production was lacking. The team's powerplay opportunities didn't translate into goals, as they failed to capitalize on two chances despite having six shots during those powerplays.

Defensively, there were challenges as well. The Senators allowed four goals while managing only 47 hits compared to the Maple Leafs' 31. Furthermore, their faceoff win percentage was low at 36 percent overall – a statistic that they will need to improve upon if they hope to control the pace against Toronto.

Sep 24, 2022; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs center Fraser Minten (39) celebrates the win with Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Filip Kral (82) against the Ottawa Senators at the end of the third period at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports

The goaltending for Ottawa also had its ups and downs during this encounter. While they saved 27 out of 30 shots for a save percentage of roughly 87 percent through most of the game, one empty-net goal brought this number down slightly by game's end.

On the other side of the ice stands Toronto with an impressive shooting percentage of nearly 13 percent from their previous meeting and winning over half their faceoffs at a rate of approximately 64 percent. Their goaltender boasted an excellent save percentage at around 95 percent from just one goal allowed on twenty shots.

Sep 24, 2022; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Ilya Samsonov (35) makes a save as Ottawa Senators forward Angus Crookshank (59) and Toronto Maple Leafs forward Bobby McMann (74) and defenseman Mikko Kokkonen (84) close in during the first period at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports

For Ottawa fans looking ahead, there is reason for cautious optimism but also areas demanding attention before taking on Toronto again. Improving shot accuracy and capitalizing on powerplay opportunities could be key factors in turning past shortcomings into future successes.

Looking forward to what lies ahead; it is crucial for OS players like Brady Tkachuk and Thomas Chabot to step up both offensively and defensively if they want any chance at overcoming their divisional rivals in this upcoming match-up.

The scheduled date for this highly anticipated rematch is September 24th at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto; puck drop is set for around 7:00 PM Eastern Time (ET). Fans eager not to miss any action can tune into ESPN+ online or SN1 internationally for live coverage of what promises another intense chapter in this storied rivalry between two Canadian hockey teams.

Ottawa Senators - NHL - Opinion

Devils Dare to Dance on Senators' Ice at Canadian Tire Centre

Can the Ottawa Senators Outmaneuver the Toronto Maple Leafs at Scotiabank Arena?

Clash at Canadian Tire Centre: Ottawa Senators Host Vancouver Canucks

Clash on Ice: Washington Capitals Face Ottawa Senators at Canadian Tire Centre

Clash at Bell Centre: Ottawa Senators Take on Montreal Canadiens

Clash at Amalie Arena: Ottawa Senators Face Tampa Bay Lightning

Clash on the Ice: Ottawa Senators Face Florida Panthers at Amerant Bank Arena

Ottawa Senators Ready to Dominate Minnesota Wild at Canadian Tire Centre

Clash at Canadian Tire Centre: Ottawa Senators to Host Dallas Stars

Canadian Tire Centre Showdown: Ottawa Senators Face Arizona Coyotes

Clash at Canadian Tire Centre: Ottawa Senators Host Boston Bruins

Scotiabank Arena Clash: Ottawa Senators Take On Toronto Maple Leafs

Canadian Tire Centre Set for Ottawa Senators Clash with Montreal Canadiens

CAA Arena Showdown: Ottawa Senators Face Off Against Toronto Maple Leafs

Ottawa Senators and Winnipeg Jets Clash at Canada Life Centre

Scotiabank Arena Showdown: Ottawa Senators Face Toronto Maple Leafs