When Daniel Alfredsson suffered a concussion a couple weeks ago, people speculated that it could be a long term injury for the Sens Captain.
Concussions are always tough to diagnose and in the first couple days, it certainly had all the hallmarks of a serious injury. Well the normal injury standards simply do not apply to Alfie. On 11/11/11, Daniel Alfredsson is expected to return to the Ottawa line up.
While one player returns, Ottawa will be without one of their most consistent players so far this season. Chris Neil will not dress for this one as he nurses an ankle injury he suffered the other night against the Rangers. He is not expected to play in either game this weekend.
For Ottawa, the margin of defeat has been extremely narrow over the course the last three loses. Each time they have lost by a single goal and will look to return to their winning ways against a division rival.
Meanwhile, Buffalo has won three straight, including a shootout decision over the Sens last Saturday. Most recently,the Sabres topped the Jets 6-5 in OT in a game that saw the usually steady Ryan Miller give up five goals on just 31 shots. Miller has struggled in the early going this year and at times as fallen victim to the boo birds on home ice.
Jhonas Enroth is expected to get his second straight start against Ottawa.
Expect special teams to be key in this one as the Sabres come in with the 9th ranked power play and sit second in the league on the PK at 92%. Ottawa's power play still sits fourth in the NHL but has cooled off a little bit as of late. Having Alfie back should help with that.
Greening-Spezza-Michalek
Foligno-DaCosta-Alfredsson
Daugavins-Smith-Condra
Konopka-Winchester-Butler
Kuba-Karlsson
Phillips-Rundblad
Cowen-Gonchar
Puck drops on this one just after 7:30 PM. The game can be seen on SportsNet and TVA and is available on the radio at The Team1200. If you are looking for a stream, I suggest you keep an eye on the comment section as one often pops up in there.
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On November 11, it's important that we all take pause to remember those that have made the ultimate sacrifice in the name of this great nation. The freedoms that we as Canadians enjoy on a daily basis, exist because of the brave men and women that fought and continue fight in the name of their country. Remembrance Day is the date on the calendar when we remember those fallen soldiers but our gratitude should carry on all year round. Lest we forget…
