The 2016/2017 NHL regular season is underway and the Ottawa Senators are off and running.
While the first two games of the year were actually quite different, the end-result was the same- a win over a Division rival. The Senators will look for a third such victory when they play their first road game of the season against the Detroit Red Wings.
It’s hard to know exactly what to expect from the Red Wings this season. They’ve made the playoffs an incredible 25 straight seasons but that streak may be in jeopardy this year. Although I’m pretty sure I’ve said that same thing the last few years. Pavel Datsyuk is gone, Henrik Zetterberg is 36, and their line up has some holes.
That’s not to say they should be taken lightly. There’s still a lot of young talent on this roster and in the end, they’ll probably be one of several teams pushing for the third place spot in the Atlantic.
Senators get to be a part of history tonight as this will be the last home opener at the legendary Joe Louis Arena. The Red Wings will open next season at the $627 million Little Caesars Arena. The building looks great, the name needs work.
Guy Boucher gave his team a well-deserved day off yesterday ahead of of their first back to back of the season. Ottawa is in Detroit tonight and then back home to play the Coyotes tomorrow. They’ll then have three days off before their next game on Saturday against Tampa Bay.
The Senators are on the ice for their morning skate and it looks like they’ll make a one change. Matt Puempel is skating in the spot of Phil Varone on the fourth line with Chris Neil and Chris Kelly. Thomas Chabot looks like he’ll be a healthy scratch on defence. Have to think he gets into his first NHL game tomorrow night against the Coyotes.
Hoffman-Turris-Stone
Smith-Brassard-Ryan
Dzingel-Pageau-Pyatt
Puempel-Kelly-Neil
Methot-Karlsson
Phaneuf-Ceci
Borowiecki-Wideman
Andrew Hammond is expected to get the start in the Ottawa goal. Puck drop is scheduled for just after 7:30 PM.
