The Ottawa Senators will look to build off consecutive strong performances to start their season when they play a second straight game against the Florida Panthers.
The Senators have outscored their opponents by an 8-1 margin through the first two games of the season and have received offensive contributions from all four of their forward lines. They’ll be looking for more of the same tonight in Sunrise.
Heading into the last game against the Panthers, all the talk circled around Alex Kovalev, as he played his first game against his old team. Kovalev was pretty quiet on Monday night and seemed to be the target of a few of Ottawa’s more physical players. I think he can expect a similar approach from MacLean’s team tonight. Kovalev is expected to play with Stephen Weiss and Tomas Fleischmann.
All four lines have played well for Ottawa and the three defence pairing have been consistent, making MacLean’s job fairly easy so far. Here is how the Sens are expected to line up.
Michalek-Spezza-Silfverberg
Latendresse-Turris-Alfredsson
Greening-Smith-Neil
O’Brien-Regin-Condra
Methot-Karlsson
Phillips-Gonchar
Wiercioch-Benoit
Craig Anderson will make his third consecutive start in the Ottawa goal. Ben Bishop will dress as his back up and will likely play tomorrow in Tampa. Jose Theodore starts again for the Panthers.
Puck drop is scheduled for just after 7:30 PM with all the action available on Rogers Sportsnet and the Team 1200.
- You’re going to hear and read a lot about the availability of PK Subban until he’s either dealt or signs a new deal with the Habs. What I can tell you is the Sens have inquired (at least a couple weeks ago) and at the time, were told he was not available. Obviously that can change if the Canadiens feel they aren’t getting anywhere in negotiations. I have a hard time believing Montreal would ever trade him within the division.
