""Senators and Blue Jackets Clash at Canadian Tire Centre: Ice Battle Awaits""

Dec 1, 2023; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets goalie Elvis Merzlikins (90) makes a save as Ottawa Senators right wing Vladimir Tarasenko (91) looks for a rebound during the first period at Nationwide Arena. Mandatory Credit: Russell LaBounty-USA TODAY Sports

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As the Ottawa Senators prepare to host the Columbus Blue Jackets at the Canadian Tire Centre, fans are eager to see if their team can continue their recent performance trends. The Senators have shown a mixed bag of results in their past games, which could make for an unpredictable matchup on Valentine's Day.

In their last game against the Pittsburgh Penguins, the Senators emerged victorious with a narrow win in overtime. They managed to score five goals on 26 shots, boasting an impressive shooting percentage of nineteen percent. Despite winning less than half of their faceoffs and racking up seven penalties, they showed resilience by blocking 28 shots and taking advantage of even-strength play where they scored four out of five goals.

Dec 1, 2023; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets center Adam Fantilli (11) celebrates his goal against the Ottawa Senators during the second period at Nationwide Arena. Mandatory Credit: Russell LaBounty-USA TODAY Sports

However, this victory followed a loss against the Colorado Avalanche where Ottawa scored four goals but allowed six against them. The Senators had more shots on goal in this game with 45 attempts but struggled with penalty kills as they conceded four powerplay goals.

The trend continued in another defeat at Mullett Arena against the Arizona Coyotes. The Senators started strong with three first-period goals but failed to maintain momentum throughout the remaining periods. Their goaltending was solid with thirty-four saves; however, it wasn't enough to secure a win as they fell short by one goal.

Dec 1, 2023; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Ottawa Senators left wing Claude Giroux (28) skates the puck away from Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Erik Gudbranson (44) during the first period at Nationwide Arena. Mandatory Credit: Russell LaBounty-USA TODAY Sports

The upcoming game presents an opportunity for Ottawa to capitalize on home-ice advantage and improve upon areas such as faceoff wins and penalty kills. Fans should expect a competitive spirit from both teams, but particularly from the Senators who will be looking to build consistency after these fluctuating performances.

The match is scheduled for February 14th at midnight UTC (February 13th local time) at Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa. Fans can catch all the action live on ESPN+ or BSOH channel 660 for those following from away locales.

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