It’s here. It’s finally here.
After six long hockey-less months, the sport we all love has finally come back to us. The summer weather is nice and all but if you’re like me, you’ve quietly been waiting…Waiting for the temperature to start falling. Waiting for those geese to move along. Waiting for the leaves the start changing colour.
Waiting for the return of Ottawa Senators hockey.
Tonight, the waiting ends.
As the Senators get set to kick off the 2015/2016 season tonight, there’s an odd feeling in the fan base. I don’t know if it’s necessarily fueled by expectation but rather excitement. The experts don’t seem to be overly positive about Ottawa’s chances this season but among Sens fans, there is a ton of optimism about the year that lies ahead. After the way last season ended, and that miracle run to the playoffs, I think we’re all just eager to watch this team play again.
I said it in the moments following the first round loss to the Montreal Canadiens but I just wasn’t ready for it to end. And I think that’s exactly why the fan base is so excited for it to start again.
And believe me, there’s plenty to be excited about this season. A young and incredibly talented forward group has another year of experience under their belt, the defence is anchored by one of the best players in the game and the net is protected by a reliable veteran who has proven he can be among the top goalies in the game.
What’s not to like?
Tonight’s opposition, the Buffalo Sabres, has plenty of reason for optimism too. They too have a ton of young talent, including future star Jack Eichel, and an old friend of ours between the pipes. Teams that take the Sabres lightly this year will pay the price. But that certainly shouldn’t be a problem on opening night.
All through training camp, Dave Cameron and his staff were focused on getting this team ready for tonight. They got some good news late yesterday as Clarke MacArthur, originally listed as doubtful for the opener, was declared ready to go. Matt Puempel was returned to Binghamton as a result. Here is how the Senators are lined up at the morning skate.
Hoffman-Turris-Stone
Ryan-Zibanejad-Lazar
MacArthur-Pageau-Michalek
Chiasson-Smith-Neil
Methot-Karlsson
Wiercioch-Ceci
Cowen-Borowiecki
What we do know is Craig Anderson gets the start in the Ottawa goal. Puck drop is scheduled for just after 7:00 PM.
I’ve been waiting a long time to say this…
GO SENS GO!
Credit to LegitClub for the great video
