(UPDATE 3:02 PM)- As expected, Craig Anderson will get the start in goal for the Senators tonight. Matt Carkner draws back into the line up and Brian Lee heads to the press box. Game is on CBC and puck drop is just after 7:00PM.
With the Eastern Conference standings as tight as ever, the Ottawa Senators have a chance to pick up some crucial points as they close out their 2011 schedule.
First up, Jarome Iginla and the Calgary Flames visit Scotiabank Place for a 7:30 PM start. It will be a quick turnaround for the Sens who are in action again tomorrow night when they visit the Buffalo Sabres in the final contest of 2011.
(UPDATE 2:58 PM)- The Ottawa Senators have signed first round picks Stefan Noesen and Matt Puempel to entry level contracts. Noesen was selected 21st overall, Puempel went 24th.
The first game back from the holidays certainly didn't go the way the Ottawa Senators were hoping it would.
Zack Smith got the home side on the board early but it was all Canadiens from that point on. Craig Anderson struggled, allowing 4 goals on 7 shots and the Habs earned Randy Cunneyworth his first win as Head Coach of the Montreal Canadiens.
After a few days off for the holiday break, the Ottawa Senators return to action tonight when they play host to the Montreal Canadiens.
The Sens come into the game holding on to the 8th and final playoff position in the Eastern Conference. A win over a struggling Canadiens team could move the Sens past the 6th place Toronto Maple Leafs who are in Florida tonight.
After a hectic couple of days away from the site, it's time to get back on track and look at the week that lies ahead for our Ottawa Senators.
The Sens are back on the ice today for a 3:00PM skate at the Bell Sensplex and return to game action when they host to the Montreal Canadiens tomorrow night at Scotiabank Place.
From the drop of the puck last night, you could just tell the Ottawa Senators did not have their A-game.
Coming off an emotional win over the Panthers on home ice, the Sens were forced into a tricky back to back situation. The team actually didn't arrive in Carolina until 3:30 AM on the morning of the game.
Last night it was Bobby Butler that played the role of overtime hero as he converted a pass from Kyle Turris to give the Sens a dramatic 4-3 win over the Florida Panthers.
The Senators won't have much time to enjoy the victory though as they are right back in action tonight against Eric Staal and the Carolina Hurricanes.
After an impressive 4-1 win over the Buffalo Sabres on Tuesday night, the Sens are back on the ice at Scotiabank Place for a showdown with the Florida Panthers.
The surprising Panthers are the top dog in the Southeast Division and sit just four points out of the conference lead. Florida has posted a 5-3-2 record in their past ten outings.
After an impressive win over the Sabres last night, the Ottawa Senators will now play two more games before a couple days off for the Christmas break.
First up is a home date with the Florida Panthers tomorrow night. The Sens are then in action the following night when they visit the Carolina Hurricanes. A great chance for the Sens to head into the holiday break on a high.