The set-up
For the only time this season the Ottawa Senators welcome the Vancouver Canucks to Canadian Tire Centre as they look to get back into the win column following a five-game stretch of losses. Vancouver comes into the game tied for last place in their division with nine points, while the Senators sit at the bottom of their division with eight points.
Vancouver may be the perfect target for the Senators to get back to the high scoring affairs they became accustomed to in their first home stand. Through twelve games played the Canucks have given up the fourth most goals in the league, as well as the sixth worst goal differential at minus eight.
Roster notes
In Artem Zub's absence with injury the Senators have elected to call up Jacob Bernard-Docker again from Belleville. This time however head coach D.J. Smith has given the green light that Bernard-Docker will slide into the lineup. Though nothing is set in stone for defensive pairings Bernard-Docker lined up with Thomas Chabot at yesterday's practice. Given that there is no skate today we won't find out for sure until pregame warmups.
Below is how the Senators lined up yesterday morning for practice at Canadian Tire Centre:
Forwards:
Tkachuk - Stützle - Giroux
DeBrincat - Brassard - Batherson
Motte - Pinto - Joseph
Kelly - Kastelic - Watson
Gambrell
Defense:
Chabot - Bernard-Docker
Sanderson - Hamonic
Brannstrom - Holden
Zaitsev
Past history
Another iteration of this cross-country Canadian battle comes this way. Though Vancouver owns the all-time series 32-22 with a pair of ties along the way, the Senators have had their number of late. In the last six matchups between these two the Senators have walked away the victor four of those times, including winning three of the last four. The last time these two sides faced off the Senators took the victory in an exciting fifth-round shootout finish.
Who to watch
Jacob Bernard-Docker prepares to make his season debut Tuesday against the Canucks. With Artem Zub out with an upper body injury Bernard-Docker was first called up ahead of the Philadelphia game, though he was a healthy scratch for that game.
Head coach D.J. Smith has mentioned in the past that when Bernard-Docker gets into games he wants him to be around to play for a while rather than calling him up and then sending him back down to Belleville over and over. Look for Bernard-Docker to
Where to watch
For those who won't be at Canadian Tire Centre, Tuesday's game can be seen live on TSN5, RDS2 and Sportsnet Pacific at 7 p.m. Fans can also tune into the radio call on TSN 1200 and Unique FM 94,5.
