For the handful of prospects still in Training Camp, the clock is ticking.
Time is running out and there are limited opportunities remaining if they really want to make an impression and show that they have what it takes to play in the National Hockey League.
With just two games left in a preseason that has already felt like an eternity, there are still some tough decisions to be made.
At last count, there are 31 players left in Camp.
That includes three goaltenders, nine defencemen and 19 forwards. When all is said and done, that number will be whittled down to 23.
That makes these remaining games extremely important for the Coaching staff as they try to make a couple difficult decisions.
The Ottawa Senators visit the Vancouver Canucks again tonight, only this time in the city they actually play in.
Looking at the training camp roster, it’s pretty clear which players are on the bubble heading into the last couple games.
Up front, Logan Brown, Drake Batherson, Rudolfs Balcers, Nick Paul, Filip Chlapik, Parker Kelly and maybe Scott Sabourin are all in the mix. On the blueline, it’s probably a battle between Erik Brannstrom and Cody Goloubef, with the 20 year old defenceman having a pretty clear advantage.
We’ll see if any of those players can stand out it in this one.
Here’s a look at the 22 players that have been included in tonight’s roster including one extra forward and one extra defenceman.
Mikkel Boedker is on there for the first time this preseason. Of the bubble guys, Nick Paul is the only left out of tonight’s line up.
A best guess at line combinations based on the game day skate.
Tkachuk-White-C.Brown
Boedker-L.Brown-Balcers
Ennis-Anisimov-Batherson
Chlapik-Pageau-Sabourin
Chabot-Zaitsev
Hainsey-Brannstrom
Borowiecki-Goloubef
No word on a starting goalie just yet either.
Puck drop is scheduled for just after 10:00 PM. In order to survive the final round of comment section cuts, you have to stay up for the entire game.
I’ll be asleep by the first intermission but will check in first morning to see how you all did. Good luck!
