Senators Ride Hot Streak Into Showdown With Kings
Tonight, the Ottawa Senators hit the ice against the Los Angeles Kings in what promises to be an intriguing matchup, especially with both teams entering with very different momentum. The Senators have been on fire lately, riding a five-win, one-loss, and one-overtime record over their past seven games. Their recent success includes victories in the first two games of a seven-game road trip, and now they look to keep that streak alive in Los Angeles. Tim Stutzle has been the star for Ottawa, contributing 21 points in 21 games, including 11 goals, 10 assists, and three game-winning goals. With key players like Brady Tkachuk and Thomas Chabot out, the Senators are leaning on Stutzle and a balanced roster to maintain their surge. Goaltender Leevi Merilainen gets the nod tonight, though he’s struggled a bit with a 3.53 goals-against average and an .868 save percentage.
On the other side, the Kings are desperate to snap a three-game losing skid and avoid dropping four in a row. Los Angeles last beat Ottawa on November 15, so there’s a little history at play. The Kings have shuffled their lines, moving the Kopitar line down and the Byfield line up, looking to spark some life into the offense. The top line of Kevin Fiala, Quinton Byfield, and Adrian Kempe will be critical in setting the tone, and they’ll need to get to Merilainen early if the Kings hope to seize control. Darcy Kuemper starts in goal for Los Angeles and holds a significant edge statistically, posting a 2.38 GAA and a .906 save percentage. That advantage in net could be key, but the Kings will still have to play a near-perfect game to end their slump.
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Special teams might also play a role in tonight’s outcome. Ottawa ranks near the bottom of the NHL in penalty killing at 31st, while the Kings’ power play has been struggling as well, sitting 28th. If Los Angeles can capitalize on Ottawa’s weaknesses on the kill, it could provide the momentum they desperately need. Meanwhile, the Senators will look to continue their momentum and prove that their hot streak isn’t just a short-term run.
All in all, it’s shaping up to be a battle of momentum versus desperation. Ottawa wants to prove that their climb in the Atlantic Division is for real, while Los Angeles is fighting to avoid the embarrassment of four straight losses. The stakes are high, the lines are set, and the ice is ready. If the Kings execute and get to Merilainen early, a win could be theirs, but Ottawa has all the confidence of a team that’s been winning on the road. For fans tuning in, expect a fast, physical, and thrilling showdown tonight.
Predicted outcome? A 4-2 win for the Kings, but Ottawa’s resilience could make it a closer, edge-of-your-seat game than anyone expects.
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