When the Ottawa Senators boarded that plane for Dallas, Texas, they were a team with a building confidence.
They had closed out their five game home stand with wins over the Blue Jackets and Flyers and picked up 8 of a possible 10 points. They were able to keep it rolling on the road with exciting wins over a high-flying Dallas Stars team and then a talented Colorado team the following night.
Wins in four straight. Points in seven games in a row. And suddenly, among the top teams in the entire National Hockey League. They’ll look to keep this run going tonight against the Arizona Coyotes.
These two teams met once already back in Ottawa. The Sens were pretty solid that night (36-26 edge in shots) but three third period goals gave the Coyotes a 4-1 win.
This Arizona team has a ton of young talent but aren’t really expected to do much this season. Yet for all the talk about the rebuild in Arizona. the Coyotes have remained competitive through the first quarter of the season.
Their 12-9-1 record is good enough for third place in the Pacific Division, just two points back of the first place Kings. They have a surprisingly balanced offensive attack led by guys like Martin Hanzal and Mikkael Boedker but it’s the addition of young stars like Max Domi and Anthony Duclair that make this team especially dangerous.
The Senators do catch a bit of a break though as the Coyotes played last night on home ice against the Flames. Mike Smith started that one which means Anders Lindback could get the call tonight. Lindback started the last game between these two teams back in October.
From Ottawa’s perspective, no changes expected to the line up that won in Colorado the other night. Patrick Wiercioch has been skating the last couple days but doesn’t appear like he’ll play. He’s skating on a pair with Mike Kostka at the morning skate.
I would imagine the Coach was tempted to move Shane Prince up the line up a little bit after his performance in Colorado but at the same time, it’s tough to break up a trio when they seem to have pretty good chemistry. But if Lazar or Michalek struggle and Prince is skating like he was the other night, Dave Cameron may not have a choice but to shuffle the lines a little bit.
Here’s how the Senators will line up for this one.
Hoffman-Turris-Ryan
Lazar-Zibanejad-Stone
Michalek-Pageau-Chiasson
Prince-Smith-Neil
Methot-Karlsson
Cowen-Ceci
Borowiecki-Wideman
Craig Anderson makes the start for the Senators. Puck drop is scheduled for just after 10:00 PM so pace yourself.
