Every time the Ottawa Senators and Toronto Maple Leafs get together, we are reminded that the Battle of Ontario isn’t quite what it once was.
And it’s true. The rivalry has been on a steady decline for the better part of the last decade with both teams fighting to stay relevant. But while both teams have struggled on the ice, the off-ice hatred between the fan bases is still there. At least I think it is.
I feel like I haven’t real seen or heard from Leaf fans this year and that’s to be expected. They are going through a scorched-earth rebuild and that seems to have forced their most vocal fans into hiding for the time being. Enjoy the silence though because the years of pain the Leafs are enduring this season and for the next few years may actually turn them into a decent team down the road.
On Ottawa’s side of things, another season is slipping away. They need another miracle run over the next month and a bit if they’re going to have any chance at a playoff spot and it honestly doesn’t look like this year’s team has it in them.
And as little as this game means in the standings, it will have significance for Dion Phaneuf. The poor guy spent an unfortunate amount of his career in the blue and white and tonight plays his first game against them since last month’s shocking trade. His teammates were helping prepare him for what should be…a lukewarm reception from the Toronto faithful.
You know Dion would love to win this one.
And while it won’t get much recognition, this also marks Colin Greening’s first game against his old team. While his play didn’t live up to his contract here in Ottawa, he always seemed like the nicest guy off the ice. Nice to see him getting another shot in the NHL with the Leafs. Milan Michalek still hasn’t played his first game with the Leafs but could return next week.
Mark Borowiecki was sidelined in the last game and is out indefinitely. Which means ones last opportunity for Patrick Wiercioch to prove himself in what is a pivotal season for the 25 year old defenceman. Mike Kostka has been called up as insurance but Wiercioch will play tonight. Matt Puempel is the healthy scratch up front.
Here’s how the Senators lined up at the morning skate.
Hoffman-Zibanejad-Ryan
Smith-Pageau-Stone
Dzingel-Gomez-Chiasson
Paul-Lazar-Neil
Methot-Karlsson
Phaneuf-Ceci
Wiercioch-Wideman
Andrew Hammond gets the start in the Ottawa goal. Puck drop is scheduled for just after 7:00 PM.
