GD5-jan20-NHL

We take a look at the Sens' second period struggles, details on Hockey Day in Canada and more before the puck drops tonight against the Maple Leafs.

1. The second period

It's no secret: the second period has been a problem for the Senators this year. To date, they've been outscored in the middle frame 36 to 65 through 43 games for the worst differential in the league while also allowing the most second period goals on average (1.51 GAA in the second period) in the NHL.
"We have to find a way to manage and support the puck better in the second period," said Sens centre Derick Brassard. "We need to spend more time in the offensive zone because it feels like we're spending so much energy just defending."
The Sens allowed three unanswered, second period goals on Thursday against the Blues and at yesterday's practice they spent time working on the fundamentals of dealing with the longer changes that occur in the second.
'Scotty Bowman used to work on his changes like that all the time so it's just a reminder," said Sens head coach Guy Boucher. "Those long changes should be the same as the short ones but you have to be even more aware because your wide defenceman and winger are stuck so far that with no redline now and the transition is so quick that the minute that you're stuck in between that change...you're done."
While the coach noted several reasons for their issues in the middle frame, he specifically touched on the team's proclivity to turn down shooting opportunities in favour of making complicated passing plays.
"The big reason is that we don't have a shooting mentality anymore," shared Boucher about the second period woes. "We're looking for option B and C and sometimes even D and that's not the NHL."

2. Previous meeting

These teams last faced off just 10 days ago with the Sens earning a 4-3 win in Toronto before heading into their bye week. Thomas Chabot, Mike Hoffman and Gabriel Dumont scored for the Senators before Tom Pyatt eventually potted the game-winner with just 3:05 remaining in the third period.
Craig Anderson also extended his winning streak against the Maple Leafs to 7 games after turning aside 45 of the 48 shots he faced.
Full highlights from that game below...

3. Wardrobe warning

For the second game in a row, the Sens will be sporting their Scotiabank NHL 100 Classic jerseys so be sure to dress accordingly.
If you haven't snatched one up yet, do we have a deal for you. Score two tickets to an upcoming Sens game AND a Scotiabank NHL 100 Classic jersey for only $199.99 taxes in.
Click here
for details.
Here's a list of the remaining 4 games the Sens will wear their alternate jerseys this season:

4. Hockey Day

Scotiabank Hockey Day in Canada eminates from picturesque Corner Brook, Newfoundland & Labrador this year with tonight's game between the Sens and Maple Leafs set to be one of the days' feature events.
"It's a fun to be a big part of Hockey Day in Canada," said Sens defenceman Dion Phaneuf. "To play in a rivalry game like the Battle of Ontario, I think it brings out the best in both teams."
All seven Canadian NHL teams will be in action throughout the day and Sens head coach Guy Boucher shared his feelings about what the Battle of Ontario means to the country.
"The games against Toronto are always exciting," said Boucher. "We get up for it, they get up for it and the fans get up for it so it's one of those good rivalries makes sports so much fun."
Tweet from @scotiahockey: Practice makes Heroes! #HockeyDay pic.twitter.com/093ne2B77C

5. Where to watch

We just talked about Hockey Day in Canada so be sure to tune in tonight at 7 p.m. on CBC, City and TVAS to catch the Sens host the Maple Leafs at Canadian Tire Centre.
Better yet:
grab some tickets here
and come on out and take in the next chapter of the Battle of Ontario in person.