Peepin' Foes: Ottawa Senators

In the back half of a almost home-and-home with the Senators, the Rangers will be in Ottawa on Saturday. For those not paying attention, the Blueshirts beat the Sens 2-1 in a boring shootout on Monday. The Senators were tired and the Rangers were uninspired, leading to a dull couple of periods, a few minutes of excitement, then five listless minutes of overtime before a shootout. But the Rangers won, so yay! Maybe they can do it again at 3 pm tomorrow.

Where We Are: The Rangers are coming off one of the most embarrassing beatings they have taken since last season. But they are still in first place, wooo! It won't last unless they bounce back in a big way. Michal Rozsival, who sucked against the Sens, was even worse against Canucks and has the most to prove both to his teammates and the fans.

Where They Are: Ottawa has lost six in a row, including the last two in a shootout. First there was blowing a 1-0 lead to lose to the Rangers, then Thursday they lost the lead twice on their way to losing in the fourth round of the shootout to Montreal. The Sens gave the Habs just one power play in the game, which they scored on. With the Ranger power play being what it is, Ottawa's discipline may prove to be a good thing.

Who To Watch For: Young defenseman Alexandre Picard stepped up his game against Montreal and collected to assists. Spezza, Heatley and Alfredsson are still incredible and all were strong; Heatley scored in regulation and Spezza scored in the shootout.

What To Watch For: Ottawa's Mike Fisher and Chris Neil are both out with injury so there will be some new kids out trying to make names for themselves. Without a designated goon, Cody Bass battled Steve Begin in Montreal so who knows who will answer the bell when the Rangers come ringing for Jarkko Ruutu, because you know sure as hell that Ruutu won't. The Sens will have four straight days off after the afternoon tilt so they may make a huge effort, knowing they have time to relax afterwards.

What We'll (Hopefully) See: The Rangers coming out of the locker room flying, their defense a smooth, puck moving wall and Ruutu getting what he deserves.

Also Check Out: Sens Army and SENSHobo.

As always, I recommend people check out Sam Weinman's Ranger Report for up-to-the-minute updates on our boys.

 Peepin' Foes: Ottawa Senators - A Rivalry Rekindled

In the world of sports, rivalries ignite passion and fervor among fans like nothing else. The New York Rangers have had their fair share of rivalries, but few have been as intense and memorable as the battles against the Ottawa Senators. In this article, we'll dive into the history, dynamics, and FAQs surrounding this fiery rivalry.

I. A Brief History of the Rivalry

The rivalry between the Rangers and the Senators traces its roots back to the late '90s and early 2000s. During this period, both teams were competitive, and their clashes were marked by physicality, high-scoring games, and dramatic moments.

II. The Alfredsson vs. Messier Era

One of the defining moments of this rivalry was the clash between two legendary captains: Daniel Alfredsson of the Senators and Mark Messier of the Rangers. These battles epitomized the intensity of the rivalry, with both players giving their all on the ice.

III. Playoff Drama

The rivalry reached its peak during the playoffs. In 2012, the Rangers and Senators met in the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals. The series went the distance, culminating in a dramatic Game 7 that saw the Rangers emerging victorious in a tight 2-1 contest.

IV. The Fan Perspective

Rangers Fans: For Rangers fans, the Senators represent a formidable opponent, and victories against them are celebrated with extra enthusiasm. The rivalry adds extra spice to the regular season, and games against the Senators are circled on fans' calendars.

Senators Fans: Senators fans also relish the rivalry. The intense games, memorable moments, and the passionate atmosphere created by both fan bases make these matchups a highlight of the season. The rivalry adds an extra layer of excitement to the Senators' schedule.

V. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: What are some memorable moments from Rangers vs. Senators games?

A1: There have been many memorable moments, including high-scoring affairs, overtime thrillers, and dramatic playoff clashes. Some iconic moments include Daniel Alfredsson's famous "bat" goal and the dramatic Game 7 showdown in the 2012 playoffs.

Q2: Has the rivalry changed in recent years?

A2: While the intensity of the rivalry remains, the landscape of the NHL has shifted. Rosters have changed, and the dynamic of the rivalry has evolved. However, whenever these teams meet, the competitive spirit and passion are still very much alive.

Q3: What's the current status of the rivalry?

A3: The rivalry between the Rangers and the Senators continues to be an exciting part of both teams' schedules. While they may not meet as frequently as divisional rivals, the games between them are eagerly anticipated by fans of both sides.

VI. Conclusion

The rivalry between the New York Rangers and the Ottawa Senators is a testament to the passion and excitement that sports can bring. Through dramatic playoff clashes, iconic moments, and the unwavering support of their fans, these two teams have created a rivalry that will be remembered for years to come. As they continue to face off on the ice, one thing is certain: the intensity and excitement of Rangers vs. Senators games will persist, adding another thrilling chapter to NHL history.