(UPDATE 1:05 PM)- Paul MacLean has announced Robin Lehner as his starter today against the Islanders. As expected, Andre Benoit takes the place of Mike Lundin in the line up. No timetable on a return for Lundin after suffering a concussion yesterday in Philadelphia.
On Saturday afternoon, the Ottawa Senators failed to pick up a point for the first time in seven games as they fell 2-1 to the Philadelphia Flyers.
No time for the Sens to dwell on that loss though as they are right back in action this afternoon when they visit the New York Islanders for a 3:00 PM start. This afternoon marks the second of three games between the two teams this season. Ottawa scored a 3-1 victory over the Islanders at Scotiabank Place on February 19.
On Saturday, the Senators certainly had their chances to come away with a point against a high flying Philadelphia team.
Ben Bishop was strong in goal and gave his team a chance heading into the third. Penalty troubles were the Sens undoing in the third though as they spent far too much time killing off penalties rather than chasing the equalizer. With that said, I 100% endorse Alfie's decision to go after Rinaldo after a questionable hit on Phillips. That guy had been running around all afternoon so good on Alfie for stepping in when he did.
You can bet Head Coach Paul MacLean had a couple words for his team about team toughness though, considering that incident.
The good news is Ottawa has an opportunity to get right back on the horse against an Islanders team that has struggled as of late. New York is in the middle of a seven game homestand and have dropped the first three, getting outscored 13-7 along the way. Their defence and goaltending have been questionable and may be exactly what a sputtering Sens offence needs to get back on track.
No morning skate for the Sens so we'll have to wait until around 1:00 PM for line up notes from the Coach. Obviously Mike Lundin is not available to the Senators after a dirty hit by Zolnierczyk in yesterday's game. His spot will be taken by Andre Benoit.
No word on a starting goalie but this certainly looks like a good opportunity to get Robin Lehner back in the net. We'll see what MacLean decides shortly.
This afternoon's game available on Sportsnet and the radio at Team 1200.
GO SENS GO!
