On the heels of an impressive come from behind win in the opener at the Canadian Tire Centre, the Ottawa Senators continue a stretch of four straight games on home ice with a visit from the Columbus Blue Jackets.
Columbus was one of the league’s most surprising teams last season and have started strong again this year. They’ve won three of their first four games including a 3-2 win over the Calgary Flames last night. Sergei Bobrovsky started that game for the Jackets which means that ex-Senator Curtis McElhinney gets the nod for CBJ tonight. The Blue Jackets are an extremely hard working team that forechecks extremely well. Their offence has been led by Ryan Johansen, who has six points through four games, and another ex-Senator in Nick Foligno who has five points so far this year.
Ottawa has now won three straight games but in MacLean’s assessment, really haven’t put together a complete sixty minute effort. Unlike last year where it seemed like the Senators were finding ways to lose games, this year has been just the opposite. It’s a good sign for a team that will be in a fight to the finish to qualify for the playoffs. These points banked early in the season could make the difference by the time April rolls around. With that said, there are clearly some issues the Senators still need to clean up to get to where they want to be.
Based on the morning skate, it looks like MacLean will make just one change to his line up. Coaches usually prefer not to mess with a winning line up but with so many guys on the roster, MacLean wants to ensure he keeps getting guys into games. That means up front, Mike Hoffman will draw in for Erik Condra. Appears as though the defence will remain unchanged. Erik Condra, Colin Greening and Jared Cowen will be the healthy scratches.
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
Puck drop is scheduled for just after 7:00 PM with the game available on Sportsnet and on the radio at TSN1200. If you’re headed to the game tonight, either leave earlier than usual or plan to take the bus. With the new outlet mall opening near the CTC, traffic is likely going to be a bit of a mess.
Go Sens Go!
