The set-up
For the second time in nine days the Ottawa Senators will be facing off against the New Jersey Devils. The hottest team in the NHL is currently riding an 11-game win streak and are fresh off an overtime victory over the Toronto Maple Leafs.
The last time these two sides faced off the Devils walked away victorious in overtime after the Senators tied things up in the third period last Thursday in Newark. This is now the third team in the last four games that the Senators will have faced for the second time already in this young season, the other two being the Sabres and the Flyers. Both Buffalo and Philadelphia took the first games off the Senators, while the Sentators responded to both with a big 4-1 win in the rematch effort. With five points in the past four games, look for the Senators to continue that trend today when they host New Jersey.
Roster notes
Without outright confirming it, head coach D.J. Smith suggested that there is a good chance that Artem Zub will return to the lineup today. Zub has been held out with injury for the past nine games and will add an instant impact to the team's blue line should he be back in tow.
Below is how the Senators lined up yesterday for practice at Canadian Tire Centre:
Forwards:
Tkachuk - Stützle - Giroux
DeBrincat - Brassard - Joseph
Motte - Pinto - Batherson
Kelly - Gambrell - Watson
Kastelic
Defense:
Sanderson - Hamonic
Brannstrom - Zub
Holden - Bernard-Docker
Larsson - Zaitsev
Sparty's birthday
Today fans who come to Canadian Tire Centre to enjoy the game will be able to help celebrate Sparty's birthday party! The energy will be high as tickets are nearly sold out. Rumour has it there will be some special visitors to help celebrate the occasion. Come on out an enjoy the celebration!
Who to watch
Defenceman Erik Brannstrom has answered the call of whatever role D.J. Smith has asked of him this season. We've seen him play on the left side, the right, even strength, power play and penalty kill all through a bevy of different pairings.
He's had a strong start to this season however he has really found a way to elevate his play in the absence of Thomas Chabot. With the Senators top defensive pairing out of the lineup in some capacity the past three games, Brannstrom has seized the opportunity given to him logging an average of 20:25 minutes of ice time per game. In that stretch he's also put up a plus four point differential. Look for Brannstrom to continue his strong defensive play in today's outing against New Jersey.
Where to watch
For those who will not be at Canadian Tire Centre, Saturday's game can be seen live on TSN5 and RDS. Fans can also tune into the radio call on TSN 1200 and Unique FM 94,5.
