There have been some important hockey games played in Ottawa over the years but tonight’s game against the New Jersey Devils will certainly be one of the most meaningful.
This game isn’t really about the sixty minutes of hockey. Instead, this is another opportunity to unite as a city. Sports has always had a powerful way of bringing people together, both in good times and bad. We saw it last night at TD Place and it will be more of the same at the Canadian Tire Centre.
Tonight will be about remembering the two brave soldiers that lost their lives and at the same time, showing the rest of the country and the world that the city of Ottawa is stronger than ever. The outpouring of support since Wednesday’s tragic events has been spectacular to see. Whether it was the crowds gathering at the War Memorial, people lined up along the Highway of Heroes to pay their respects to Nathan Cirillo or the anthem at last night’s RedBlacks game- this city and this country has come together in a way I don’t think I’ve ever seen before.
Expecting an emotional night at the CTC.
As far as the hockey part of tonight goes- it’s going to be interesting to see what kind of start Ottawa has. They haven’t played a game in a week and there’s going to be some rust to shake off. But at the same time you know they desperately want to put on a show for a city that could use a good distraction.
Meanwhile, the New Jersey Devils are on the tail end of a back to back having travelled here after hosting the Dallas Stars last night. The Devils have had a pretty strong start to their season earning points in five of their first seven games. Cory Schneider was in net last night so we can expect to see Scott Clemmensen make his first start of the season for New Jersey.
Paul MacLean has had a week to think about his line up for this one and has decided to stick with the same group that beat the Blue Jackets last Saturday. Here’s 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
Robin Lehner gets the start in the Ottawa goal.
If you’re heading to tonight’s game. be sure to leave yourself some extra time to get through the additional security that will be in place at the building. Front gates will open at 5:00 PM. The Ottawa Senators are also asking that all fans wear red in support of the Canadian Forces. There will be a special ceremony prior to puck drop which will be coordinated with the games in Toronto and Montreal so make sure you’re in your seat well before puck drop.
Enjoy the game, Ottawa!
