The Ottawa Senators will go in search of their fourth straight victory when the Florida Panthers visit Scotiabank Place tonight.
The Sens will get a boost as Daniel Alfredsson will return to the line up after missing one game with a hip flexor issue. Great sign to see him miss just the one game and it really doesn't sound like a serious issue for the Captain.
The team provided an update on Peter Regin this morning and it sounds a little more positive than originally thought. Rather than opt for surgery. Regin will go the rehab route instead and is expected to miss 6-8 weeks. I get the sense it could be longer than that depending on how the rehab goes.
With Regin on the shelf and Zibanejad headed back to the SEL, Paul MacLean will be looking for someone to step up and assume the second line centre position.
First crack at that position will go to Stephane Da Costa as he will line up with Foligno and Alfredsson tonight. Da Costa found his way on to the fourth line after some questionable defensive play but he gets another shot starting tonight.
Here is how the lines are expected to look.
Greening-Spezza-Michalek
Foligno-Da Costa-Alfredsson
Daugavins-Smith-Neil
Winchester-Konopka-Condra
Cowen-Gonchar
Kuba-Karlsson
Phillips-Rundblad
Bobby Butler is ready to return from his groin injury but is a healthy scratch tonight. On the back end, Brian Lee will once again look on from the press box. With the club winning and looking much better defensively, this is a tough time for MacLean to make a switch.
Craig Anderson will make the start in the Ottawa goal.
Still plenty of tickets left for this one so if you're looking to catch the game tonight, get in touch with Mike McCarthy at mccarthym@ottawasenators.com. The game is available on SportsnetSens or on the radio on Team1200
