Talk about some tough news to start the day.
The Ottawa Senators announced this morning that Milan Michalek, the NHL's leading goal scorer, is sidelined with a concussion. The Sens do not believe the injury is serious but will obviously have to be cautious considering the recent increase in concussions around the NHL.
After a dramatic win over one division rival last night, the Ottawa Senators will look for more of the same against the Northeast leading Boston Bruins.
The Bruins, last year’s Stanley Cup Champs, have picked up right where they left off. They have been among the league's best and pose an extremely difficult task for the Sens in a back to back situation.
The good news is the Bruins also played last night. They blanked the LA Kings and moved to 7-2-1 record in their last ten. Even more impressive is the Bruins +38 goal differential which is tops in the league. By comparison, the Sens are a -13. Ottawa will have to at their best, especially with Tim Thomas expected to get the start for the Bruins.
For Ottawa, the list of walking wounded has obviously added a significant name this morning. The Sens will need some other players to step up and contribute on offence. There is no immediate indication how long Michalek will be out for but he is being classified as day to day. MacLean stressed the team will now have to follow the league’s protocol on concussions.
Michalek joins Sergei Gonchar and Filip Kuba as players that will sit this one out. Bobby Butler will draw back in for the Sens. The Sens held an optional skate this morning so here is my best guess at how the Sens will line up.
Greening-Spezza-Alfredsson
Regin-Foligno-Butler
Condra-Smith-Neil
Daugavins-Winchester-Konopka
Cowen-Karlsson
Phillips-Rundblad
Lee-Carkner
Craig Anderson gets the start in goal and will debut his new heritage mask. Still plenty of good seats left for this one so why not take a trip down to Scotiabank Place tonight! Contact Mike McCarthy at mccarthym@ottawasenators.com for details.
