After an ugly shutout loss in Carolina on Friday night, the Ottawa Senators look to get back on track against a Montreal team that played and won yesterday afternoon.
The Sens caught a break the last time these teams played but won't be so lucky this time around. Peter Budaj got the start on Wednesday night back in Ottawa but it'll be Carey Price that gets the nod this time around.
Paul MacLean spoke to the media after yesterday morning's practice and indicated that he plans to go with the same line up as he did in Carolina the other night. That means Mark Borowiecki will be a scratch for the second straight game. Here is how the Sens are expected to line up.
Michalek-Turris-Alfredsson
Daugavins-Regin-Silfverberg
Greening-Smith-Neil
O'Brien-Zibanejad-Condra
Methot-Karlsson
Benoit-Phillips
Wiercioch-Gonchar
Craig Anderson gets another start in the Ottawa goal. Puck drop is scheduled for just after 2:00 PM with all the action available on CBC and the Team 1200.
____________________
In a brief discussion with Ian Mendes on Friday night, Bryan Murray talked about having a couple possibilities he could explore on the trade front.
And while the Senators General Manager said he doesn't plan to make a move "this weekend", he does have a couple options that he's already discussed with other GMs that could come into play if the current roster isn't able to produce offence without Spezza in the line up.
It's hard to know exactly what those options look like though.
It was mentioned a few times last year but fans should know the same rule applies to trades this season. Despite having a ton of cap space, the Senators are a team that is on a budget. If Murray wants to make a deal to bring in money, he'll have to send an equal or almost equal amount the other way. This reality will really limit the types of moves the Sens GM can make over the next few weeks.
While I do believe there are exceptions to this rule and Eugene Melnyk might be willing to bend a bit if the right deal came along, Murray always has to be mindful of the team's internally set budget.
For now, the Senators will go with the guys they have and hope they can replace Spezza's offence by committee.
That said, one team I can guarantee Bryan Murray has spoken with and will continue to speak with….the Anaheim Ducks.
Enjoy Superbowl Sunday!
