It would probably be a tad premature to suggest that the dust has settled after yesterday’s blockbuster trade with the Toronto Maple Leafs.
While the initial shock may have subsided a little bit, it’s going to take some time to get used to the idea of Dion Phaneuf in an Ottawa Senator uniform. Sens fans will get their first look at the newest addition tonight when the Senators visit the Detroit Red Wings for a crucial Eastern Conference match up.
It would have been strange to use the word crucial just a week ago but after huge wins over the Leafs and Lightning, the Sens look like they could be gearing up for another late season push. Add in Tuesday’s big acquisition and it’s clear the organization is not aiming for that bottom five pick.
They want to win and they want to win now.
If Ottawa is going to force their way back into the playoff picture, it’s teams like the Red Wings they’ll have to chase down. The Wings currently sit third in the Atlantic Division, six points clear of Ottawa. That’s a substantial gap obviously but the best way to close it is to win those head to head match ups. The Wings have been a little bit streaky of late but are coming off consecutive home ice wins over the Islanders and Panthers.
For the Senators, the key will be building off those impressive home ice wins against Toronto and Tampa Bay. Newest acquisition Dion Phaneuf will be expected to hit the ground running with games tonight in Detroit and then back in Ottawa tomorrow. He’s going to start on a pairing with Cody Ceci.
Plenty of talk about the long term risk that comes with this deal and it’s legitimate. In the short term though, it has the potential to be a huge boost for the Sens. Phaneuf is thrilled to finally be free of the stench that is the Toronto Maple Leafs and eager to show he’s still a quality defenceman. A motivated player with something to prove.
Here’s how Cameron has his team lined up at the morning skate.
Hoffman-Turris-Ryan
Smith-Pageau-Stone
Prince-Zibanejad-Chiasson
Dzingel-Lazar-Neil
Methot-Karlsson
Phaneuf-Ceci
Borowiecki-Wideman
Craig Anderson gets the start in the Ottawa goal. Puck drop is scheduled for just after 7:00 PM.
