Saturday’s loss against the Carolina Hurricanes was probably the most disappointing of the season for the Ottawa Senators.
Not just because they let a lead slip away in the dying seconds of the game but because they were so thoroughly outplayed from the moment the puck was dropped. Over an 82 game season, losses like that one are sort of inevitable. It’s how you respond that matters.
The Senators will have a chance to bounce back tonight against the Nashville Predators.
This is the second time Ottawa has faced Nashville this season. The first time back in Ottawa on October 17th. The Predators won 4-3 in a shootout but it was a game that the Sens probably deserved to win as they outshot the Predators 41-25. Two power play goals by James Neal proved to be the difference. Still, the Senators showed that night that they can certainly play with this Nashville team.
The Preds are off to a good start this season, sporting an 8-3-2 record including a 4-1-1 record on home ice. They’ve scored just 33 goals this season (ranked 23rd in the NHL) but it’s their defence and goaltending that has been winning them games. They give up just 2.38 goals per game, ranked 8th in the NHL.
Despite scoring the first goal of his NHL career the other night, Chris Wideman returns to the press box for Ottawa. Zack Smith will also draw back in while Matt Puempel sits one out. Here’s how Dave Cameron has his team lined up at the morning skate.
Hoffman-Turris-Stone
Prince-Zibanejad-Ryan
Michalek-Pageau-Chiasson
Smith-Lazar-Neil
Methot-Karlsson
Wiercioch-Ceci
Cowen-Borowiecki
Craig Anderson gets the start in the Ottawa goal. Puck drop is scheduled for just after 8:00 PM.
