Where We Are: The Rangers have won back-to-back games against the Devils and the Bruins. Both were emotional, both were impressive in their own special way. While it was nice to beat up on Jersey, the win against the Bs is definitely bigger considering they are a better team playing better hockey right now and the Rangers were able to rally to win the game.
Where They Are: Ottawa are the losers of four straight games including disgraceful back-to-back failings against the Islanders. They have averaged a goal a game over that span while getting pretty solid goaltending from Alex Auld, who has taken over the starter position from Swiss Miss Martin Gerber, and played three of those four games. They remain a one-line team of Daniel Alfredsson, Dany "I used to drive a Ferrari" Heatley and Jason Spezza.Who To Watch For: Any of those three guys. I happen to be a big fan of Spezza's and have been since watching him play for Binghamton and seeing what I think was his first pro fight (bottom of the page), even if he didn't get a major for it. He was standing up for a teammate despite being an underweight 'talent' forward. And man, does he have talent (and one great move that seems to keep working). The same goes for Heatley, who is clearly better on the ice then behind the wheel of a car. And Alfredsson has probably suffered a little because of living in the shadow of the other Swedish captain, Mats Sundin, but he has been one of the better all-around forwards of this decade. Also watch out for Filip Kuba - he took over for Redden and has collected 15 points in 17 games despite notching just one goal (10 points were on the power play).
What To Watch For: Jarkko Ruutu will inevitably attempt to injure a Ranger. He does it every time he plays the Blueshirts (and apparently most other teams as well) and yet has been allowed to keep a job in the NHL. He got a two game suspension for this, which should have been at least five but probably more considering his history. For shame.
What We'll (Hopefully) See: Just like Joe Corvo in the first game of the current Senator slide, hopefully Redden will step up his game against his old team (Corvo scored the game-winner). Now you would also like to imagine Michal Rozsival bouncing back from his disgraceful performance on Saturday but with the Garden crowd sure to be on his back, it is highly unlikely. He has the same Czech sensibility that Malik did and that bum just kept digging his grave.
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. Sam really is the best of the beat guys covering the Blueshirts.
Peepin' Foes: The Ottawa Senators - A Glimpse into the Battle Ahead
In the world of professional hockey, rivalries between teams often take center stage, providing fans with thrilling matchups and unforgettable moments. The New York Rangers, with their rich history and passionate fan base, have had their fair share of rivalries over the years. One such rivalry that has caught the attention of fans and pundits alike is the showdown between the Rangers and the Ottawa Senators. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the Ottawa Senators, their history, their strengths and weaknesses, and address some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about this compelling rivalry.
I. The Ottawa Senators: A Brief History
The Ottawa Senators, founded in 1992, are a relatively young team in the NHL compared to the Rangers, who were established in 1926. However, the Senators have already made their mark in the league. The franchise's roots can be traced back to the original Ottawa Senators, who were one of the NHL's founding teams in 1917. The modern-day Senators have inherited a legacy of hockey excellence.
II. Recent Performance
In recent years, the Senators have faced their share of challenges and changes. Like many teams, they've experienced seasons of rebuilding and reshaping their roster. While they may not have consistently dominated the league, they have shown flashes of potential and have a dedicated fan base that believes in their future success.
III. Strengths of the Senators
The Senators have some notable strengths that make them a competitive team in the NHL:
Youthful Talent: The Senators have a young and talented roster, with promising prospects and emerging stars.
Goaltending: Goaltending has been a strong suit for the Senators, with reliable netminders who can steal games when needed.
Coaching: Effective coaching strategies have helped the Senators stay competitive, even in challenging seasons.
IV. Weaknesses of the Senators
Like all teams, the Senators have areas where they face challenges:
Consistency: Maintaining a high level of play throughout the season has been a challenge for the Senators.
Scoring: Offensive production has sometimes been a struggle, with the team needing to find more ways to generate goals.
Playoff Success: The Senators have faced difficulties in making deep playoff runs in recent years.
V. FAQs About the Rangers vs. Senators Rivalry
Q1: What makes the Rangers vs. Senators rivalry unique?
A1: The rivalry between the Rangers and Senators is unique because it brings together a historic franchise with a more recent one. The clash of old-school and new-school hockey traditions adds an intriguing element to the matchup.
Q2: Are there any memorable moments from past Rangers vs. Senators games?
A2: Yes, there have been several memorable moments, including overtime thrillers, heated battles, and standout performances by key players from both teams.
Q3: How do the fan bases of the two teams contribute to the rivalry?
A3: Both fan bases are passionate and dedicated to their respective teams. When they face off, the energy in the arena is palpable, and the atmosphere is electric.
VI. Conclusion
The rivalry between the New York Rangers and the Ottawa Senators is a captivating one that continues to evolve with each game. While the Senators may not have the same storied history as the Rangers, they bring their own brand of determination and talent to the ice. As these two teams clash, fans can expect to witness intense battles, thrilling moments, and a rivalry that adds another layer of excitement to the world of professional hockey. Whether you're a die-hard Rangers fan or a supporter of the Senators, there's no denying that this rivalry is one to watch, and it promises many more exciting chapters in the years to come.
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