NHL Game of the Week: Ottawa Senators vs. Utah Hockey Club

Different divisions, harsh opponents, frozen frenzy.

After a 2-1 win in overtime against the Boston Bruins, the Utah Hockey Club welcomes the Ottawa Senators in Salt Lake City. This will be the team's second game on a three-home-game stretch.

Meanwhile, the Senators will go on the road after three games playing on home ice, gathering a 2-1 record.

Both teams have started the season at a good pace. Utah is currently the third in the Central Division, while Ottawa is in the Wild Card spot tied with many other teams. The newly assembled franchise holds a 4-1-1 record, the Senators not far behind gathering a 3-2-0 record.

Utah Hockey Club Keys to Win

The ascendance of the Utah Hockey Club - a name that will probably be changed next season - is real.

The franchise has just settled its foot in the National Hockey League but has already defeated important opponents. The team that has its roots in the late Arizona Coyotes has already found its identity and chemistry in the rink.

The team is led by its Captain Clayton Keller in points. Keller is one of the key players for the Salt Lake City-based team being a two-way player but especially important on the offensive side.

The team's highest scorer so far has been Dylan Guenther, with five goals. The right wing player also already made history this season. Guenther scored the first-ever franchise goal, in the match against the Chicago Blackhawks.

Guenther has been a key player for the team. He has found the back of the net, in essential moments to either start a lead or get the team back into a "winning" momentum.

Last but not least, Utah's assist leader is Nick Schmaltz, with seven assists. The center is followed by Logan Cooley (six).

The Utah Hockey Club has a strong offensive side and it will be a difficult battle to match for the Senators defense.

However, on the defensive side, the Hockey Club will have to hold back the Senator's offense. Specifically, the team should try to not get many penalty minutes, maintaining as it has been happening since the start of the season.

One of the main aspects of a possible win is to gain from the penalty kills. The Salt Lake City team is currently 10th in the league in that aspect.

Ottawa Senators Keys to Win

Ottawa will come to this game trying to find its pace to success.

The Senators arrive in Utah with a strong offensive power, especially on special teams. They are the first team in the Eastern Conference to score eight powerplay goals, showcasing their ability to gain from their opponents' errors. The team currently holds the second-best power play in the league.

The team might be able to gain back center Ridly Greig, currently day-to-day sustaining an upper-body injury. Another important player who could return is David Perron. However, these decisions will be announced nearer the match when the lineup is out.

The team will also bring up a goalie matchup to the ice. Either Linus Ullmark or Anton Forsberg will probably be the starter. Both goalies had over two wins, however, Ullmark is the best in statistics. The ex-Bruin holds a 2.58 goals-against average and a .914 save percentage.

Compared to Utah, Ottawa shows more variability in relation to scoring. There are currently three leading scorers on the team: Josh Norris, Drake Batherson and Tim Stützle. All have scored three times this season.

In points, it is no different. There are also three leaders: Brady Tkachuk, Jake Sanderson and Tim Stützle. Sanderson also leads the team in assists.

With multiple stars in the team, these numbers showcase how the Ottawa Senators are a team that holds collectiveness in its strategies. This will bring a challenge to Utah's defense, which has given up an average of 3.33 goals, placing 17th in the league in that aspect.

Final Thoughts

There could be no other game of the week and it is shown. Both Utah and Ottawa have real chances of winning the matchup, but the result will be decided on the ice.

The match is set to be electric and, I would not doubt, a high-scoring one.

The puck drop is set to 9:15 p.m., the 13th game to start in the Frozen Frenzy, later this Tuesday.

Sofia Miranda is a first-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact her, email szc6483@psu.edu.