The Ottawa Senators play hockey today. Imagine that.
After another grueling three day break where we discussed every possible Senators-related topic…twice….we finally have an actual game to rant about.
The last time the Senators and Penguins met back in December, the Penguins put eight goals on the board. And while that may look like an ugly result, there were some encouraging signs in that game. Ottawa held a lead at one point and really showed that on that nightanyway, they could skate with the Pens. The problem was that trading chances with the Penguins is rarely a recipe for success.
Expecting a much tighter game defensively from the Senators this time around.
This Penguins team is as good as any in the NHL and certainly look like contenders again this year. They did play last night though and lost 5-2 to the red-hot Washington Capitals. So while they may be a little tired on the back to back, you know they’ll be eager for a bounce back performance.
The Senators are expected to roll with the same line up as that game many many moons ago against the Edmonton Oilers. Zack Smith is expected to start on a line with Brassard and Stone. Based on the way that line has performed the last little while, it’s hard to argue with that decision. Freddy Claesson got some good news from the organization the other day as he was told he’d be sticking around in Ottawa the rest of the year. He’s the healthy scratch tonight though.
Here’s how Boucher is expected to line his team up tonight.
Smith-Brassard-Stone
Dzingel-Turris-Ryan
Hoffman-Pageau-Pyatt
Kelly-Lazar-Neil
Methot-Karlsson
Phaneuf-Ceci
Borowiecki-Wideman
Mike Condon gets another start in the Ottawa goal. Puck drop is scheduled for just after 7:30 PM.
