After three days off, the Ottawa Senators return to the ice rested and ready for another season of the Battle of Ontario. The rivalry hasn’t been as heated on the ice in recent years but it still makes for a lively night at the Canadian Tire Centre.
It would be that much better if the Senators could notch their fifth straight victory and keep pace with the Division-leading Montreal Canadiens. Despite questions about their defensive play, it has been pretty much a dream start for the Ottawa Senators who are finding ways to win games they lost regularly last season.
Meanwhile, the Leafs suck. They always have and always will. Some years it takes them a little longer to suck but they always get there. Whether it happens early on, down the stretch, or in the final minutes of a Game 7– the Leafs always find a way. They’ve hired a bunch of shiny new numbers guys if for no other reason than to keep them out of the hands of other teams that might actually use them properly. As long as Randy is callin’ the shots and Dave Nonis has the title of GM, all the corsi in the world couldn’t save this franchise.
Through seven games the Leafs have panicked about the pudginess of their best player, scratched their prize blueliner who they locked up long term this off season, played their Captain in the wrong position regularly and managed to create a goaltending controversy like 5 games into the season. Not exactly a dream start for the blue and white as fans already have begun to turn their attention to the Raptors…and then the Blue Jays….and then back to planning the Leafs’ parade again.
Also they played the Islanders last night and won and have started the season with a 3-3-1 record.
Based on the last two days of practice, it doesn’t look like there will be any changes to the Ottawa line up. MacLean has been pleasantly patient with his line up so far this season and really does seem to be going with the whole idea of best players play. That means that for now, Erik Condra, Colin Greening and Jared Cowen will remain healthy scratches. Barring any surprises at the morning skate, here is how the Senators are expected to line up for this one.
MacArthur-Turris-Stone
Ryan-Zibanejad-Chiasson
Michalek-Smith-Lazar
Hoffman-Legwand-Neil
Phillips-Karlsson
Wiercioch-Ceci
Borowiecki-Gryba
I keep hearing there are still tickets remaining for this one. This mid-week game is a good chance for Sens fans to fill the seats that would otherwise be occupied by some obnoxious guy wearing blue and white. Give them a call at 613-599-0200 to ask about a promotion for this game too. They did have a discount in effect but it may be over. Worth a phone call to check though. Broker4Tickets has a handful left as well.
Puck drop is scheduled for just after 7:00 PM. Unless of course you’re a Leaf fan reading this in which case it’s a rare 8:00 PM start.
-A reminder that tonight the Senators and the Sens Foundation will host the 7th Annual Hockey Fight’s Cancer Night. Should be a pretty special moment prior to tonight’s game as Bryan Murray, Mark Reeds and Max Keeping all participate in a ceremonial puck drop. Remember you can text message SENS to 45678 for a $10 donation and SENATORS to 45678 for a $5 contribution. The NHL will match funds raised up to a total of $5,000. For more about Hockey Fights Cancer night, head to the Sens Official website.
