With the Senators losing back to back games in Anaheim and Los Angeles, the final game before the NHL All Star Break has taken on some extra significance.
The Sens will look to end their short slide and head into the break on a positive note. The game will also be the first that Kyle Turris has played in Phoenix since a bitter contract dispute and eventual trade to the Ottawa Senators.
The Phoenix Coyotes have struggled a little bit as of late, dropping three straight, including a 4-3 loss to Tampa Bay on Saturday night. The Yotes are in the middle of a crucial six game home stand that could go a long way toward deciding their fate in the competitive Western Conference.
With points at premium right now in the Eastern Conference, Paul MacLean has decided to go back to Craig Anderson. Anderson was pulled before the start of the third period last night but will make his fourteenth straight start in the Ottawa goal. Shows you just how important it is to close out this trip on a high.
It should go without saying but the Sens have to find a way to have a better start tonight. They have given up the game’s first goal in six straight games and have been getting behind the eight ball far too often this season.
One line up change for the Sens as Matt Carkner will take the place of Mark Borowiecki. Here is how the Sens are expected to line up.
Michalek-Spezza-Butler
Foligno-Turris-Alfredsson
Greening-Smith-Neil
Daugavins-Konopka-Condra
Kuba-Karlsson
Cowen-Gonchar
Phillips-Carkner
Another late start tonight with puck drop set for just after 9:00 PM Eastern. These West Coast road trips are always interesting but it will be nice to have some Sens game starting at a reasonable hour. Broadcast will be carried on Sportsnet and TVA Sports.
- Some news from the NHL this afternoon as it was announced that Drake will perform during the second intermission. The release from the league also indicated that Lyndon Slewidge will perform the anthem before hand. Now the whole league will get to see one of the best anthem singers in the business.
- While one big name was added to the line up, two others won’t be around for the weekend festivities. Both Jonathan Toews and Alex Ovehckin have withdrawn their names from All Star Weekend.
