He’s back.
For the first time in two months, Craig Anderson returns to the Ottawa crease.
Mike Condon has done a remarkable job in his absence but it’s nice to have the starter back. And it comes at a time when the Senators could use a little boost.
This four-game homestand certainly didn’t get off to a good start. The 6-0 loss against the St. Louis Blues was the worst loss on home ice in more than a decade. And while not everyone was happy with the way they played against the Dallas Stars, it was a much-needed bounce back performance and an important two points.
With the rest of the Atlantic going through a similar period of inconsistency, every point counts.
The Ottawa Senators will try to keep things pointed in the right direction when they host the New York Islanders on Saturday afternoon.
After a disastrous start to their season, the New York Islanders seem to finally have things back on track. They’ve won their last couple and have the league’s second best record over their last ten games at 7-1-2. Firing Jack Capuano and replacing him with Doug Weight seems to have given this team a spark. They come into Ottawa just two points out of the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. Their offence is led by the always dangerous John Tavares, who has 44 points in 52 games and an incredible 8th straight 20 goal season.
Oh and they also have Shane Prince.
No morning skate today obviously but Guy Boucher just met with the media this morning and explained he’ll go with the same line up. Curtis Lazar and Chris Neil are the 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/Claesson-Wideman
Craig Anderson gets the start in the Ottawa goal. If you’re headed to the game this afternoon, give that man the ovation he deserves. While the applause will be directed at Craig, it’s an ovation for Nicholle too. And the entire Anderson Family. Great to have Andy back in the fold.
Puck drop is scheduled for just after 1:00 PM.
