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The Matchup: New Jersey Devils (27-16-8) at the Ottawa Senators (17-25-9). SBN Blog: Silver Seven Sens
The Time: 7:30 PM EST
The Broadcast: MSG+
Since the Duchene Trade: Matt Duchene has 17 points in 37 games. The Ottawa Senators have been 11-22-4 since the trade. Nashville, with Kyle Turris, has gone 23-7-5. Kyle Turris has 22 points in 1:28 fewer ice time per game But not only did the Senators lose Turris, they gave up Andrew Hammond, 2017 28th overall pick Shane Bowers, their first-round pick in the 2018 NHL Draft, and their third-round pick in the 2019 NHL Draft.
Don’t Underestimate the Goaltender: Craig Anderson has had a down year. However, it seems he’s turned a corner. In his first 19 appearances, he had an .889 save percentage. In his last 18 appearances, he has had a 9.15 save percentage. In the same time (before December 3 and after), Mike Condon went from 2-1-3 with a .917 in eight appearances to 2-7-1 with a .893 save percentage in 11 appearances. Speaking to the the awfulness of the Senators since their decent start (with Kyle Turris), Anderson’s goals against average went up 0.01 to 3.16 in the second span. In his last six, Anderson has gone 2-4-0 with a .927 save percentage and 2.82 goals against average.
Against the Devils on October 19, Anderson made 41 saves on 46 shots in an overtime loss. He was victim to the overtime version of John Moore.
Trade Watch: The Ottawa Senators are likely going to be selling come the trade deadline. This is a good time to be watching for anyone that the Devils might target if they decide to buy at the deadline.
Lineups: John Hynes hinted yesterday the team may go with 11 forwards and seven defensemen again tonight, but that is not in place. He will make an announcement for that later today. However, the Devils are definitely starting Keith Kinkaid in net tonight.
Your Thoughts: What do you think the Senators should do at the deadline? What do you think of the Devils against this team? Should the Devils still be going with seven defensemen? Leave your thoughts below.