Game Day Notes: Sens @ Devils

Reinforcements are on the way tonight in New Jersey and we've got the latest on the Sens projected line-up, starting goaltender and more...

Duchene and DeMelo return

It seems like every game recently has been accompanied by some good news on the injury front for the Senators and tonight's game against the Devils is no different as both Matt Duchene and Dylan DeMelo have been cleared to return to action.
"I'm excited to get back," said Duchene. "It's tough to be out. It's only been a couple of weeks but it feels like 2 months so that's kind of the way it goes when you're hurt."

Sens head coach Guy Boucher shared the news of Duchene's return with the media after yesterday's skate in Ottawa and is excited at the potential boost to the offence that #95 brings.
"It's gigantic for us," said Boucher. "We know that he's a big part of this team and he's one of the pillars for sure. He's an over a point-a-game guy so that means that if you count all the games that were a one goal difference...that's a lot of games that he can make a difference in."
While it wouldn't be a surprise to see Duchene have an immediate impact at both ends of the ice tonight, there could also be a bit of an adjustment period as he gets back up to speed after missing the last 6 games.
"For me, it's just about getting my feet back under me and trying to pick up where I left off," Duchene said. "I've watched lots of hockey and our team play so my mind has been activated on getting back."
DeMelo has missed the previous 5 games after a strong start with the Senators this season but taking the necessary time away to recover has also helped him refresh as we get set to flip the calendar to 2019.
"It seems like you're always playing through something as an NHL player," said DeMelo. "That's the silver lining I guess. A little rest can be really good for the body when you need it."

Projected Line-up

The returns of Duchene and DeMelo will have a trickle down effect on the Sens' line-up for tonight as both players will return to their impact spots in the top 6/top 4. The coach will once again deploy 11 forwards / 7 defencemen so you can expect some in-game juggling of the lines and pairings but if the team's last two skates are any indication, Duchene looks to be in line to pivot Chris Tierney and Mikkel Boedker tonight.
"He's a top end guy who can log a lot of minutes and you can put him out there in every situation," said Tierney about potentialy skating on a line with Duchene. "He can definitely take the pressure off some of the guys and allows us to have another offensive threat out there."
DeMelo will also slot back into the top defence pairing alongside Thomas Chabot as they look to pick up where they left off prior to #2's injury. The duo have combined for 44 points so far with Chabot still among the league-leaders in defenceman scoring while DeMelo's 3 goals this year set a new career-high with more than half a season remaining.
To make room for Duchene and DeMelo, Nick Paul and Justin Falk will be the extra skaters tonight.
Here's a look at the Sens projected line-up tonight in New Jersey:
Tkachuk - White - Stone
Tierney - Duchene - Boedker
Dzingel - Smith - Ryan
Pyatt - Paajarvi
Chabot - DeMelo
Lajoie - Ceci
Borowiecki - Jaros
Harpur

In Goal

Craig Anderson (14-12-3) has really found his game lately and will look to continue his strong play tonight against the Devils. In his last 10 starts, Anderson's save percentage is a sparkling .924% wil averaging 36.7 shots against/game. He's also historically played New Jersey very well and in 15 career starts versus the Devils holds a record of 11-3-2.

Where to Watch

Puck drop is set for a little after 7 p.m. tonight in New Jersey and if you're looking for a spot to catch the game then be sure to swing by Kelsey's in Kanata where they'll be serving up 23oz Kicked Up Molson Canadian Draft for just $8.18 + tax during the game.