Fresh off a come from behind win over the rival Leafs, the Senators will look to continue their strong play away from Scotiabank Place when they visit the power house San Jose Sharks.
Ottawa has picked up at least a point in ten straight road games, posting an impressive 6-0-4 record over that stretch. Meanwhile the Sharks have just a single regulation loss in their last ten on home ice.
While the Sens currently sit a single point ahead of the Sharks in the overall standings, San Jose has five games in hand and should prove to be one of the toughest opponents the Sens have faced in some time. The Sharks have an explosive offence that includes the likes of Joe Thornton, Patrick Marleau, Joe Pavelski and Logan Couture which should keep Craig Anderson busy.
If there is an area where the Sharks can be exploited, it’s with the man advantage.
San Jose has struggled on the penalty kill this season and are ranked 28 in the league at 77.4%. The Sharks will also be without a key forward as Ryane Clowe is not expected to dress. Antti Niemi starts for San Jose.
It will be an exciting night for local boy Mark Borowiecki who will make his NHL debut. No word yet on who will come out to make room on defence but safe to assume Carkner is the odd man out.
Here is how the Sens are expected to line up.
Greening-Spezza-Michalek
Condra-Turris-Alfredsson
Foligno-Smith-Neil
Daugavins-Konopka-Butler
Kuba-Karlsson
Cowen-Gonchar
Phillips-Borowiecki
Late start tonight so be sure to get your pregame nap in. Puck drop is scheduled for just after 10:30 PM with all the action available on Sportsnet and TVA Sports.
- Some great news from the AHL today as defenceman Patrick Wiercioch practiced for the first time since a scary injury earlier in the season. According to reports out of Bingo, Wiercioch participated in most drills with the rest of the team. No timeline for his return but he doesn’t sound far off. Awesome to see the recovery for Wiercioch so far and hope to see him in a game real soon!
- Daniel Alfredsson was selected as one of the Captains of the NHLAll Star Game and has already tipped his hand about who his first pick might be one week away from today. “My first pick will be Karlsson,” Alfredsson said. “My kids would be very disappointed if I didn’t pick Erik.” Your move, Zdeno.
- For those that may have missed it this morning, I mentioned that the Sens may look at a player like Tim Gleason. Also expect the Sens to explore adding a top six forward if they are still in contention closer to the deadline. Some great discussion in the comment section of that post.
