Nothing says excitement quite like a game in Carolina against the Hurricanes.
Seriously, I don’t know what it is but the thought of a game in Carolina always gives me shivers. The game never seems to go well for the Senators and it’s always disturbingly boring. There was actually one last year that wasn’t so bad (ridiculous save by Hammond on Staal, Stone overtime winner) but otherwise, these games are usually the stuff of nightmares.
Hoping for something a little different tonight.
This Carolina team is young but they certainly should not be taken lightly. Like so many teams in the Eastern Conference, they’ve had sort of an up and down start to the season, going 5-8-0 through the first 13 games. And like Ottawa, they’ve had trouble on home ice. They are 1-4-0 as the hosts.
Senators catch a bit of a break too as they face the Hurricanes in the second game of a back to back. Carolina lost 4-1 to Dallas last night.
Ottawa should also get a boost from the return of Mark Stone as he’s back in after serving his two game suspension. He’ll take his regular spot alongside Kyle Turris but it looks like they’ll have a new left winger in Shane Prince. Mike Hoffman slides down to play with Zibanejad and Ryan.
One change on the blueline as Cody Ceci sits out with an injury. Chris Wideman will take his spot. Zack Smith takes a bit of a surprise turn as a healthy scratch. That means Curtis Lazar shifts to the fourth line centre role.
Just an optional morning skate but here’s how the Senators are expected to line up.
Prince-Turris-Stone
Hoffman-Zibanejad-Ryan
Michalek-Pageau-Chiasson
Puempel-Lazar-Neil
Methot-Karlsson
Wiercioch-Borowiecki
Cowen-Wideman
Andrew Hammond gets the start for Ottawa. Puck drop is scheduled for just after 7:00 PM.
