In a season full of stops and starts, it has been difficult to get a real sense of progression.
This was always going to be a year where player development ultimately defined team success but in the absence of any kind of rhythm through the first few months of the season, it’s tough to get a good read on this team.
Until recently.
Since returning to the ice on a more regular basis and with the issues around COVID testing slowing down a little bit, we are finally getting a good sense of where this team is at in their development. And it’s good news all around. It has become abundantly clear that this group has turned the corner. The 3-3-0 record in the month of January doesn’t exactly jump off the page but the way they’ve been playing, and the progress of the young core, is a good indication that there are better days ahead.
The Ottawa Senators return home to host the Buffalo Sabres on Tuesday night.
Some lineup shuffling expected ahead of this one. Erik Brannstrom, who has played well recently, entered COVID protocol today and will not be available tonight. Lassi Thomson has been recalled from Belleville to take his place.
Here’s how the Head Coach had his team lined up at this morning’s skate.
Tkachuk-Norris-Sanford
Formenton-Stützle-Batherson
Paul-Gambrell-Watson
Ennis-Tierney-Gaudette
Chabot-Thomson
Holden-Zub
Mete-Brown
Matt Murray gets the start in goal for the home side.
Puck drop is scheduled for 7:08 PM. The game is available on TSN5, on the radio at TSN1200 and will be available via shady streaming sites all across the information super-highway.
Wondering how the Senators match-up against the Sabres but not sure where to turn? Then do I have the table for you.
| HEAD2HEAD |  |
 |
|---|---|---|
| Record | 13-21-7 (33 pts) | 12-20-3 (27 pts) |
| Goals For | 2.66 (T-25th) | 2.77 (22nd) |
| Goals Against | 3.44 (27th) | 3.57 (29th) |
| Power Play | 20.9% (14th) | 18.6% (19th) |
| Penalty Kill | 75.7% (26th) | 79.1% (18th) |
| Shots For | 28.7 (27th) | 29.4 (23rd) |
| Shots Against | 34.7 (31st) | 33.8 (28th) |
| Leading Scorers | Dahlin- 28 pts Thompson- 28 pts Skinner- 27 pts Okposo- 23 pts Olofsson- 21 pts |
Batherson- 33 pts Norris- 26 pts Tkachuk- 26 pts Chabot- 20 pts Stützle- 19 pts |
| Starting Goalie | Aaron Dell 1-7-1 3.91 GAA, .893 sv% |
Matt Murray 2-6-1 3.36 GAA, .894 sv% |
