Game #38 - vs Ottawa Senators

Game 38

Senators (18-14-4, 40 pts) at Penguins (25-11-1, 51 pts)

Mellon Arena - Pittsburgh

Why does it matter?
The Pens need a win going into the Christmas break after the depressing game against Jersey on Monday. The Senators don't travel well. Merry Christmas.

What has been happening lately?

• Pens - The good news is the Devils won't visit again during the regular season.
• Senators - The Sens have been trading wins and losses for a bit, but more importantly, they just lost Spezza for an extended period.

Questions to be answered

• Will the return of Leclaire make a difference for the Sens? His number are just about the same as Elliot's numbers...
  
• I don't think we're going to stop asking about the power play all year. Can the Pens get things going again with the man advantage?
  
• I'm still looking for a shut out from a Pens goalie. Can they get one? (this question is staying here until they do)
  

Keys to the game

• Let Kovalev sleep.
• Pick on the rookie. Eric Karlsson is a -10 in just 22 games, and he's playing about 18 minutes per game.
  
• Ignore Ruutu.