Game Day – Sens vs. Avalanche – Dec 21, 2023

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Winningest Coach Returns

The Ottawa Senators look to end this road trip on a high note. Jacques Martin returned to the bench against the Coyotes to a last minute goal leading to a 4-3 loss. Martin coached the Sens for nine seasons, over 692 games he amassed a 342-255-96 record, earned the Jack Adams Award in 1998 and guided the team to the Presidents’ Trophy in 2002. Along his path he holds the franchise records for games coached (692), wins (342), playoff games coached (69), and playoff wins (31).

While Martin holds a lot of accolades his test now is to add stability to this Senators group. In the midst of a five-game slide, including 0-4 on this road trip, the Sens are looking to turn the page against the Avalanche tonight. 

Source

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GAME DAY REPORT

All-Time vs. Colorado Avalanche: 19-31-4

A coaching change sparked some energy in the Senators during the first period of it’s contest with the Arizona Coyotes however Arizona kept pressing, tying the game, and a fluke goal off the foot of Travis Hamonic secured another loss for Ottawa. They now have a 5 game losing streak as they enter the Ball Arena to face a though Colorado Avalanche team.

Statistically, Colorado holds an edge over Ottawa in all categories further demonstrating the tough challenge lying ahead of the Senators. A new coaching change typically includes a new system or strategy which takes time to implement and perfect.

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Game recap – Dec 19 – sens vs. Coyotes

Fluke goal extends Senators losing streak to 5 games

Ottawa demonstrated more energy after the coaching change but was unable to sustain it as Arizona staged a comeback tying the game. A fluke goal with three minutes left in the game pull Arizona into a lead for the first time and was enough to earn the Coyotes the win.

Quick Sens Highlights:

• Angus Crookshank scored his first NHL goal 4:10 into the first period.
• Josh Norris scored his 10th goal of the season to extend the lead to 2-0.
• Dominik Kubalik scored his 7th of the season to push Ottawa up 3-0 to end the 1st period.
• Arizona pushed back, scoring 4 unanswered goals to secure the win.
• Jake Sanderson (2), Erik Brannstrom, Artem Zub, and Tim Stutzle registered assists.
• Joonas Korpisalo took another loss making 34 saves with a 4.14 GAA and a .895 SV%.

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THROUGH THE YEARS – 1998-99 SEASON

The Ottawa Senators record for the 1998-99 season was 44-23-15, which resulted in 103 points for 1st place in the Northeast division and 3rd overall in the NHL.

General Manager: Rick Dudley
Coach: Jacques Martin
Captain: Alexei Yashin
Alternate Captains: Daniel Alfredsson & Wade Redden

1998-99 Senators Highlights

• Most games played: Alexei Yashin played 82 games.
• Top Scorer: Alexei Yashin scored 44 goals.
• Top Helper: Alexei Yashin registered 50 assists.
• Top Producer: Alexei Yashin recorded 94 points in 82 games.
• Top PIM: Chris Murray had 65 penalty minutes in 38 games.
• Top Goalie: Ron Tugnutt played 43 games for 2,508 mins with a result of 22-10-8 including 3 shutouts with a 1.79 GAA and .925 SV%.

Click Here For The 1998-99 Season Recap

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PLAYER profile – Jiri Smejkal

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AROUND THE RINK

• Jagr starts 36th season, has assist in Kladno loss
• Zuccarello out week to week for Wild with upper-body injury
• McGroarty, Jets prospect, named U.S. captain for 2024 World Junior Championship
• Devils to have $9M in LTIR space with Hamilton likely out until playoffs

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