Game Day 5: OTT at LAK

1. The set up:

The Senators are back in action for the second night of a back-to-back and following a 2-1 loss to the Ducks last night in Anaheim. In the midst of a five-game loss streak the Sens will look to rebound against a strong Kings team tonight. 

The Kings come into this contest having gone 6-3-1 over their last ten games and currently tied with Vegas for the third Pacific Division playoff spot. Without Adrian Kempe, second on the team with 51 points, who has been held out since Feb. 26, the Kings will look to others to pick up the slack.

Tonight will be the second time the Senators have faced off against former goaltender Cam Talbot as he looks set to get the start between the pipes tonight.

2. Roster report:

The Senators look to be without Thomas Chabot and Matthew Highmore after sustaining injuries last night and as a result the Sens recalled Jiri Smejkal and Max Guenette from Belleville this morning. Additionally, Mads Sogaard was re-assigned to Belleville last night as Joonas Korpisalo looks set to get the start tonight with Anton Forsberg backing up. Below is how the Senators lined up last night in Anaheim:

3. Who to watch:

When the times get tough, the tough get going. It's safe to say the times are tough for the Sens right now in the midst of a five-game skid and injuries piling up, which means they may need to rely on some savvy vet play. Cue Claude Giroux, who though he hasnt scored since Feb. 15 is still in the midst of a great season on pace for 70+ points for the eight time in his career and second time as a Senator.

There are few (if any) more competitive players in the NHL and with a tough task ahead in the Kings, expect Giroux to ignite a fire and lead by example here tonight. Facing a goaltender he got to know very well last season may be something he looks to take advantage of.

4. Sens vs the West

The Sens have had their work cut out for them when facing the Western Conference this season. In 25 games against the West, the Sens have a 7-17-1 record. At home things are considerably more favourable with a 7-5-1 record vs the West. Tonight will be the second and final meeting against the Kings this season, with the Kings winning the first meeting at Canadian Tire Centre back on Nov. 2. Including tonight the Senators have seven games left against the Western Conference with four on the road and two at home as they look to better their record against interconference opponents.

5. Where to watch:

Tonight's game can be found live on TSN5 in English and RDS in French. Additionally, TSN1200 and Unique FM 94,5 have you covered on the radio with the English and French calls.