(UPDATE 3:00 PM)- Sens are on the ice for their morning skate and it appears as though Jason Spezza will be in the line up as he took his regular spot between Michalek and Ryan. Also, Joe Corvo was back in spot alongside Chris Phillips during the skate but was injured during the skate. Looks like Robin Lehner will make his first start of the season in the Ottawa goal.
After a tough match up in Los Angeles on Wednesday night, it only gets tougher for the Ottawa Senators tonight at the Shark Tank.
The San Jose Sharks have certainly been one of the most impressive teams in the entire NHL through the first handful of games. They haven’t just been beating teams- they’ve been downright embarrassing people. The Sharks have outscored the opposition by a 21-5 margin during their 4-0-0 start and have held an incredible 162-91 edge on the shot clock. Having watched them a couple times this season, their puck possession game is pretty terrifying.
The key for the Senators will be simple but is something they have struggled with in the early going- stay out of the box. The Ottawa penalty kill is clicking along at a 75% success rate and has been a bit of a sore point so far. If they’re going to have a shot against this Sharks team, they’ll have to be better in that area of the game.
Jason Spezza intends to take the morning skate in San Jose and make a decision about his status afterwards. Again, I would be surprised if he didn’t play but I said that before the LA game too. Here is how MacLean lined them up at yesterday’s practice.
Michalek-Spezza-Ryan
MacArthur-Turris-Conacher
Greening-Pageau-Condra
Smith-Da Costa-Neil
Methot-Karlsson
Cowen-Wiercioch
Phillips-Corvo
We’ll find out a confirmed line up and a starting goalie after the morning skate at 2:30 PM. MacLean did indicate that Robin Lehner will get one of the starts this weekend.
Puck drop is just after 10:00 PM and will be the late game on CBC’s Hockey Night in Canada.
