SENS V S . PANTHERS

THE SERIES SO FAR

The last time the Ottawa Senators and Florida Panthers met back on Oct. 13, the announced crowd of 7,311 was easily the smallest in Florida history. On the ice the Senators sent the Panthers to their third straight loss to open the season. The Panthers haven’t given the few fans they have left much to cheer about in recent years (they’ve been in the playoffs once since 2000), but they have turned things around somewhat after their slow start this season. They entered the week 7-5-6, still in touch with the playoff contenders.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Aaron Ekblad, Panthers: The No. 1 pick in the 2014 draft has made a seamless transition into the NHL at the age of 18. The six-foot-four, 216-pound Ekblad started the week tied for second in team scoring with two goals and nine assists and was playing more than 22 minutes a night. Nick Bjugstad, Panthers: The 22-year-old Bjugstad, the 19th pick in the 2010 draft, will be difficult to miss — regardless of what he does on the ice. The six-six centre has come on strong in recent games. He leads the team with seven goals and his 11 points tied him with Ekblad for No. 2 in points. Eric Gryba, Senators: If we said Gryba was No. 3 in the NHL, it might not be immediately apparent what we were talking about. But the big, stay-at-home defenceman entered the week third in the league in penalty minutes with 51 (17 in one game against Edmonton). He’s not flashy (two assists in first 19 games), but he’s played every game and is plus 3 on the season (only two Senators were better).

THE CAPITAL CONNECTION

Brian Campbell and Erik Gudbranson, have ties to the Ottawa area. Campbell was a star defenceman on the Ottawa 67’s from 1995-99 and was named Canadian Hockey League player of the year in 1999. Campbell, 35, logs heavy minutes and led the team with almost 24 a game through 18 contests. Gudbranson, an Ottawa native, played for the Jr. 67’s before starring with Kingston in the OHL. The No. 3 pick in the 2010 draft was just over 17 minutes a game on Florida’s blueline. TV: Friday, 7:30 p.m., RDS2, TSN5 Radio: TSN 1200