GAMEDAY 5: Coyotes vs Senators, Oct. 22

The 2-2 Senators welcome a 1-3 Arizona team to Canadian Tire Centre for their Oktoberfest game.

The set-up 

The Senators host the Arizona Coyotes at Canadian Tire Centre this afternoon as the Coyotes continue their six-game road trip to kick off the season. These two sides are trending in opposite directions on the year. The Senators, winners of their last two with a net goal differential of plus one on the season, While Arizona has lost three of four to start the season with a net goal differential of minus nine. 

Though Arizona is not expected to be near the top of the standings this season, a true testament to how any given team can win on any given night came when the Coyotes beat Toronto 4-2 in Toronto on Monday night. This is something head coach D.J. Smith is well aware of and addressed in his Friday afternoon media availability. 

“Anyone can beat anyone in hockey especially,” said Smith when asked if he thought this Arizona team was dangerous. “Toronto as good as they’ve been on home ice they lose to these guys. Anybody can beat anyone on any given day, they’re professional players for a reason. You have to play the game the right way, it doesn’t matter who we play.” 

Roster notes 

When the Senators took the ice at yesterday’s practice, they lined up the same way they had during the Senators home opener two nights ago. No changes have been confirmed for this afternoon however, D.J. Smith alluded to the fact that they were entertaining giving goaltender Anton Forsberg a break after four straight starts. 

“We’ll see tomorrow,” said Smith when asked if he will stick with Forsberg for the game today.  

Forwards: 

Tkachuk – Stützle – Batherson 

DeBrincat – Norris – Giroux 

Motte – Pinto – Joseph 

Kelly – Kastelic – Watson 

Brassard – Gambrell 

Defense: 

Chabot – Zub 

Sanderson – Hamonic 

Brannstrom – Holden 

Zaitsev 

Previous history 

These interconference opponents are about as evenly drawn as you can be historically. In 43 all-time match ups Arizona own a narrow lead with a 22-19 record with two ties along the way. 

In recent years Arizona has controlled the series taking seven of the last eight games. Fans will remember the rollercoaster of a game when these two faced off in Arizona last season. Arizona took a 4-0 lead in the second period before the Senators tied it up 4-4 in the third. A busy final 19 minutes saw the Coyotes walk away with an 8-5 win. 

Who to watch 

Forward Drake Batherson has found his goal scoring touch at home finding the back of the net three times in the last two games. Batherson provided the scoring touch and spark the Senators needed in Thursday’s bout with Washington connecting twice in the second period to draw the game even after falling behind 2-0 in the first. 

After being limited to just 46 games last season with injury, Batherson is poised for a big season. Already he sits tied at the top of the Senators goals list with three, and points list, with six. Look for him to continue his hot play this afternoon against Arizona. 

Where to watch 

For those who won’t be at Canadian Tire Centre, Saturday’s game can be seen live on TSN5 and TVAS2 at 4 p.m. Fans can also tune into the radio call on TSN 1200 and Unique FM 94,5.