Time to see what this year’s version of the Ottawa Senators is really made of.
This group has faced their fair share of adversity this season but to this point, they’ve been able to avoid any kind of prolonged slump. When they’ve played a bad game, they’ve generally been able to bounce back the next time out. Well, not this time. The Senators have been outscored 10-0 in their last two games. Defensively they’re breaking down and they have that look of a team that might never score again.
Time to get this thing back on track.
Ottawa plays the second of four straight at home tonight when they host Tyler Seguin and the Dallas Stars.
Perhaps the good news is tonight’s opposition is in the middle of a slump of their own. They’ve lost three straight and currently sit a surprising seven points out of a playoff spot in the Western Conference. Their usually potent offence is sort of middle of the pack this year and their defence continues to be an issue. Only the Colorado Avalanche have allowed more goals per game than the Stars. Their penalty kill is dead last too.
Dallas has also been dealing with injuries at times this season and yesterday, they put former-Senator Jason Spezza on the IR. He won’t play tonight.
Guy Boucher seems like he might be considering dressing seven defenceman for this one. That would mean Claesson in and both Neil and Lazar as healthy scratches. Here’s how the Senators are expected to line up for this one.
Smith-Brassard-Stone
Dzingel-Turris-Ryan
Hoffman-Pageau-Pyatt
Kelly-Wingels
Methot-Karlsson
Phaneuf-Ceci
Borowiecki-Wideman
Claesson
Mike Condon gets the start for Ottawa with Andrew Hammond dressing as his back up. Looked like Anderson might back up tonight but the Senators have decided to wait another game.
Puck drop is scheduled for just after 7:30 PM.
