The Senators most recent five game home stand was a huge success.
They picked up 8 of a possible 10 points including impressive wins over the Columbus Blue Jackets and Philadelphia Flyers. This Senators team still has some issues to address in their own end of the rink but thanks to a red hot power play and top notch goaltending, they continue to bank points at an impressive rate.
They’ll have to be at their absolute best to come away with two points against one of the league’s top teams though.
The Dallas Stars have been one of the most impressive teams through the first quarter of the season. Their offence is second best in the league and their 17-4-0 record has them in tie for top spot in the NHL. They’ve won five straight games, outscoring their opponents 18-8 in the process. Led by Tyler Seguin, Jamie Benn and John Klingberg, this Stars team can score in bunches.
Craig Anderson could be busy in this one.
Ottawa made a couple roster moves ahead of this West Coast swing, recalling Colin Greening and Chris Driedger from Binghamton of the American Hockey League. Matt Puempel and Matt O’Connor were sent down. Puempel’s demotion means another opportunity for Shane Prince to show what he can do when playing with some of the team’s top players. Pretty small sample size obviously but I’d give Prince the edge over Puempel so far this season.
Here’s how the Senators lined up at practice yesterday. Will confirm the line up once they hit the ice for the morning skate in Dallas.
Hoffman-Turris-Ryan
Prince-Zibanejad-Stone
Michalek-Pageau-Chiasson
Lazar-Smith-Neil
Methot-Karlsson
Cowen-Ceci
Borowiecki-Wideman
Craig Anderson gets the start in the Ottawa goal. Puck drop is scheduled for just after 8:30 PM.
