Despite struggling at times, the Ottawa Senators managed to come away with two points in the regular season opener.
They’ll be looking for a more complete effort when they host another Atlantic Division rival in the Montreal Canadiens.
Having a couple days off between games allowed Guy Boucher and the coaching staff to run a couple extra practices and try to correct some of the mistakes they made the other night against the Leafs. Defensive zone coverage and breakouts were nowhere near good enough and will have to be better against the Canadiens.
Key to this one is going to be finding a way to contain the incredibly talented PK Subban. He’s one of the best defenceman in the game and is the type of player that can change the game with a single shift. A rare combination speed, skill and vision, you always have to be aware when he’s on the ice. Outside of Carey Price, he’s the best player on this Montreal team and Ottawa has to shut him down.
Ohhh haha that’s right…
The Senators were on the ice for their morning skate earlier today and went with the same line combinations and pairings as the other night against the Leafs. That means Matt Puempel and Thomas Chabot are the healthy scratches.
Here’s how Guy Boucher will line his team up for this one.
Hoffman-Turris-Stone
Smith-Brassard-Ryan
Varone-Pageau-Pyatt
Dzingel-Kelly-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.
