You sort of get the sense that this four game stretch is going to set the tone for the rest of the Ottawa Senators’ season in some ways.
That game against Boston was one of their most disappointing so far this season and how they respond to that sort of effort is extremely important. Especially on home ice.
Ottawa will play their next four games at the Canadian Tire Centre and have to find a way to bank some points. Five or six of a possible eight points would be nice but that’s easier said than done especially when you look at the teams that will be visiting. Aside from yesterday’s loss to the Sabres, the Red Wings are off to a pretty good start. Minnesota looks like a contender in the West. Winnipeg has been playing better hockey of late. And then a visit from the Leafs.
No easy games on this four game homestand.
The Senators were back on the ice for practice this morning. Alex Chiasson left practice early but should be fine for tomorrow night’s game against the Red Wings. Apparently Chiasson is nursing a minor injury after blocking a shot against the Bruins on Saturday night. Mark Borowiecki is being called day to day at this point and could return for the weekend games.
Craig Anderson starts tomorrow against Detroit.
-Saturday’s loss was disappointing but it was certainly nice to see goals from Mark Stone and Mika Zibanejad again. If the top line of MacArthur-Turris-Ryan can do their part and the secondary scoring continues from the likes of Stone and Zibanejad, the Senators offence will be in good shape. The third/fourth line of Smith-Legwand-Neil is still a problem but those other three lines look pretty good right now.
-I can’t believe it’s ten games into the season and I already feel the need to write this but there seemed to be a bit of panic after Saturday night’s game so here goes- Don’t worry about Erik Karlsson. Karlsson will be fine. Karlsson will continue to be one of the most dangerous offensives defenceman in the league. It really should be the other five or six blueliners around him that we worry about. The Senators need to find him a regular and reliable partner in a hurry. Phillips has filled in admirably but he just can’t keep playing such huge minutes. On paper Cowen looks like a good option but he’s going through his own issues right now. There’s still no timeline for Methot’s return but you sort of get the sense that Karlsson, the blueline and the Ottawa Senators are just treading water until then. Get well soon, Marc.
