The Ottawa Senators did a whole lot right yesterday against the LA Kings.
Unfortunately an early five minute major to Mark Borowiecki and two subsequent power play goals proved to be too much to overcome. They dominated the game for large stretches but it was just one of those games where nothing seemed to go their way.
Dumb penalties. Bad bounces. Timekeeping issues. Missed scoring chances. Certainly not a recipe for success.
It really doesn’t get any easier against the Anaheim Ducks. While they got off to a bit of a slow start under Randy Carlyle, they’ve been playing some better hockey of late and come into this one with a 14-9-5 record including a 9-4-1 record on home ice. Their offence has been led by the trio of Ryan Getzlaf, Corey Perry and Ryan Kesler and they have a quality supporting cast including Jakob Silfverberg and Rickard Rakell.
They don’t look like contenders just yet but certainly a playoff team in the West.
No significant changes expected for the Senators but I wouldn’t be surprised to see Phil Varone draw in on the fourth line. Ottawa may also be without Mark Borowiecki for this one as he’ll have a hearing for yesterday’s hit on Tyler Toffoli. Would be very surprised if he isn’t suspended so expect Andreas Englund to draw in.
No morning skate so we’ll have to wait until closer to game time to know for sure.
Hoffman-Brassard-Stone
Dzingel-Turris-Ryan
Smith-Pageau-Pyatt
Kelly-Varone-Neil
Methot-Karlsson
Phaneuf-Ceci
Englund-Wideman
Mike Condon starts again for Ottawa. Puck drop is scheduled for just after 4:00 PM.
