The Ottawa Senators have had a couple days to think about exactly what went wrong during a disastrous performance on Sunday afternoon against the Columbus Blue Jackets. They’ll look to correct that lengthy list of mistakes when they visit Claude Giroux and the surging Philadelphia Flyers.
These two teams met just one week ago and it was probably one of the worst games the Senators have played in years. The Flyers stormed out to an early lead that night and did not let up. When the final buzzer sounded, the scoreboard read an embarrassing 5-0 in favour of the visitors from Philadelphia. It was one of the most embarrassing home ice losses in recent memory and one the Sens should be eager to avenge.
After a slow start, the Flyers are starting to turn things around as of late. Since the much talked about game against the Washington Capitals, the Flyers have gone on a bit of a run, picking up at least a point in six of seven games. The last time these two teams met the Senators may have been guilty of taking the Flyers lightly. That should not be a problem this time around.
The Senators were on the ice for practice yesterday and went with the same combinations as the other night vs. Columbus. Chris Phillips missed the skate with what the team is calling a touch of the flu but he is expected to be in the line up. No other changes expected for the Senators but we should know the final line up after this morning’s skate. Here is how the lined up at yesterday’s practice.
(UPDATE 10:55 AM)- Robin Lehner is expected to get the start for the Senators. Looks like the Flyers will go with Steve Mason.
Michalek-Spezza-Conacher
MacArthur-Turris-Ryan
Greening-Smith-Neil
Zibanejad-Grant-Condra
Methot-Karlsson
Borowiecki-Phillips
Cowen-Gryba
Will add the up to date line up following the morning skate.
The Daily Chirp- Rumours are still swirling around this team and with good reason. It has been a disappointing start to the season for the Senators and Bryan Murray is actively looking for a deal that can spark his team. The problem is he has to do so with a fairly limited internal budget and he has two pretty apparent needs- a top four defenceman and a top six forward to play with Spezza. Last night, Don Brennan suggested that the Senators have spoken to the Sharks about Martin Havlat. An interesting option and likely one that wouldn’t cost a whole lot but that extra year remaining on his contract likely scares the Senators a little bit. One thing I know for certain is that the Sens and Oilers are talking deal right now. No names unfortunately but if Havlat really is someone the Senators are interested in, then I would assume Ales Hemsky is as well.
