52 games down for the Ottawa Senators. 30 to go.
As the Ottawa Senators get set to host the rest of the league at this weekend's All Star Game, fans have already started to look at and talk about the stretch drive that awaits this team after the fun and festivities this weekend.
Looking at the schedule at the start of the season, it was clear that January was going to be a month that tested this young hockey club. Despite a three game slide heading into the break, the Sens were able to rise to the challenge, posting an impressive 8-4-2 record and giving themselves a shot at a playoff position this spring.
30 games to go. That's all that remains in the schedule of the surprising Ottawa Senators.
The post All Star agenda starts with a daunting road challenge in the form of the division leading Boston Bruins. After that, the Sens will play a stretch of five straight at SBP, including three against non-playoff teams (TOR, NYI, EDM). With the teams behind them having played fewer games, points will be crucial during that home stretch.
Here are a few things to watch for over the final 30 games.
- The Sens will play 15 games against playoff teams, 15 against teams currently outside of the playoff picture.
- 17 of 30 games will be played at Scotiabank Place.
- 26 games against the East, just four against Western Conference teams.
- Ottawa will play on back to back nights five times.
- The Senators play four more games against the division leading Boston Bruins and four against the New York Islanders.
- The Sens play three games against the Canadiens and two against the Leafs, Panthers, Lightning and Devils.
- That leaves one game each against the Blues, Predators, Oilers, Capitals, Blackhawks, Rangers, Sabres, Penguins, Jets, Flyers and Hurricanes.
A few things in there to think about. Incredible that the Sens play 11 of the remaining 30 games against the Bruins, Islanders and Canadiens. After a road-heavy January, the Sens will have the benefit of playing the majority of their remaining games at SBP.
All Star Festivities start tomorrow with a preview of the Fantasy Draft set for tomorrow night at the Casino Lac Lemay. Until then!
