Two days out from the start of the 2016/2017 regular season, the Ottawa Senators were back on the ice for one of their last tune ups for Wednesday’s game against the Toronto Maple Leafs.
With limited practice time remaining, Guy Boucher and the rest of the Coaching staff realize that this final full practice is an important one. While the team has been gradually adjusting to the new systems put in place, it’s been a steep learning curve for some and watching this team in the preseason, it’s clear they still have a ways to go.
It’s safe to assume that the line combinations used at this morning’s practice represent how the Senators will start on Wednesday.
One big change to the combinations this morning too as Zack Smith is now on that second line with Brassard and Ryan. Boucher has talked a lot about wanting to find the right fit on the line although he made it clear his preference was not to take Smith away from Pageau. Desperate times call for desperate measures, I suppose.
With Smith moving up, Dzingel has been shuffled to the fourth line with Kelly and Neil while Varone lands with Pageau and Pyatt.
Here’s how Guy Boucher had his forwards lined up this morning.
Hoffman-Turris-Stone
Smith-Brassard-Ryan
Varone-Pageau-Pyatt
Dzingel-Kelly-Neil
-The Ontario Hockey League season is well underway and Ottawa’s first round pick, Logan Brown, is off to a quick start. He’s racked up 14 points in his team’s first six games. 12 of those points (2 G 10 A) have come on the power play, where he has been absolutely lethal for the Windsor Spitfires. Going to fun to watch him down there this season.
-Curtis Lazar was on the ice for practice again this morning but is still wearing a non-contact jersey. There has been some talk that he could be ready to return in the next couple weeks but it’s going to be tough for him to get up to speed after missing all of training camp and preseason. The Senators have to be considering the possibility of a conditioning stint in Binghamton.
-There has been some speculation that Pierre Dorion might be keeping a close eye on trade and waiver wire options ahead of the start of the regular season. Management and the Coaching staff recognize there’s a pretty serious hole in the line up with the injury to Clarke MacArthur and they’re considering their options. Zack Smith was in that spot this morning but as Ken Warren pointed out over the weekend, there’s a chance they could look outside the organization to fill the void. With the roster deadline fast approaching, expect some interesting names to hit the waiver wire (like PA Parenteau). Could be something the Sens consider.
