We have had to wait a little longer than usual to get the season opening battle of Ontario, as the Senators and Maple Leafs normally play each other within the first couple of games, like last year when Auston Matthews had his legendary debut, albeit in a game that Ottawa went on to win.

Ottawa took 3 of the 4 meetings last season, including one overtime and one shootout win. This time around, it is almost a case of the proverbial irresistible force meeting the immovable object at the Leafs have an astounding 4.86 goals for per game, more than a goal higher than 2nd place New Jersey and a goal and a half more than Ottawa's still respectable 3.39.

On the flipside, despite allowing 5 goals on Thursday, Ottawa still ranks 3rd in the league with just 2.29 goals against per game.

Toronto's power play is second in the league at an even 30%, while Ottawa's Penalty kill is second in the league at 95.8%.

Toronto and Ottawa sit second and third in the Atlantic Division respectively, but Ottawa is still looking for its first win on home ice (0-1-2) while the Leafs are perfect so far on the road (3-0-0).

Usually you can throw records, trends, etc. out the window when these two teams go head to head, and this one should be no exception. It is nice that the Battle of Ontario is a thing again, because there was a couple of years there where it had lost the spark, but that came back last season now that both teams are relevant at the same time again.

The Senators will likley be without Zack Smith, who left Thursday's game with an upper body injury, and Chris DiDomenico was recalled from Belleville to take his spot on the roster.

Erik Karlsson leapfrogged 100 NHL defensemen in the scoring race with his 3 assist effort and is now tied for 41st after just two games, just 7 points back of the league leaders and his slightly delayed quest for a third Norris has begun in earnest.

It will be a battle of the Andy's in goal, with Craig Anderson looking down the ice at Frederik Andersen in the opposing crease. Craig was solid on Thursday, but should have made the save on the winning goal in overtime, so he will be looking to have another complete effort. Andersen struggled early on and was bailed out by his team's prolific offense, but he is coming off a 30 save shutout on Thursday against the Capitals. That game improved his save percentage to .899 and his GAA to 3.14, both in the lower half of the league's goalies.

There is usually never a dull moment in this rivalry of late, and anything could happen when they renew acquaintances tonight.

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