Game Day Five: Senators at Sharks, Nov. 21
The set-up
The Senators are starting their four-game west coast trip with a battle in the bay against the San Jose Sharks. This game could well come down to a battle of the special teams as San Jose boasts a league leading 92.5% penalty kill, while the Senators have the edge on the power play. The Senators will have a healthy challenge as the Sharks come into this game as winners of three of their last five games.
Ottawa comes into tonight's game with some changes to the lineup looking to jumpstart their offence. Head coach D.J. Smith mentioned that he would be moving forward Claude Giroux to a new line in order to jumpstart some more offense. "For us to win on the road we need more than one line," said Smith. "G has been so good at getting his linemates involved, he can help carry another line." With that move Drake Batherson is set to rejoin his former linemates with Brady Tkachuk and Tim Stützle.
Roster notes
The Senators were dealt some blows on the injury front following their game against New Jersey. Shane Pinto did not participate in practice yesterday and is considered day-to-day following a hit he took against New Jersey. Additionally, defenceman Jacob Bernard-Docker suffered a high ankle sprain sometime in the first period and will be out about a month as he recovers. Lastly, defenceman Thomas Chabot will not suit up for the Senators tonight as he recovers from a concussion. However, he did practice with the team yesterday and is well on his way to returning to the lineup.
Below is how the Senators lined up yesterday for practice at SAP Center:
Forwards:
Tkachuk - Stützle - Batherson
DeBrincat - Brassard - Giroux
Motte - Gambrell - Watson
Kelly - Kastelic - Joseph
Defense:
Sanderson - Hamonic
Brannstrom - Zub
Holden - Larsson
Past History
Historically these two interconference foes have been completely evenly matched with each side grabbing 18 wins plus an additional four ties. Right down to alternating season sweeps the last two seasons they faced off, with San Jose taking the season series last season and Ottawa in the 2019-20 season. Ottawa owns a narrow two goal lead all-time outscoring San Jose 113-111 all-time. The winner of this evening's bout will take the lead in the series at least until they meet again in a couple of weeks back in Ottawa.
Who to watch
Defenceman Artem Zub returned to the lineup last game against New Jersey and logged a healthy minute load picking up right where he left off. The impact he has on the game cannot be overstated. "You could see why he's a legit defender in this league," said head coach D.J. Smith on Zub's return. "His ability to make plays and play against guys with really high-end skill and just put him in the boards. Clearly we missed him but he'll help us on this trip."
That sentiment was echoed by fellow defenceman Travis Hamonic. "People don't realize how physical and strong he is," said Hamonic. "He touches the game in basically every aspect. I'm glad to have him back and quite frankly it's important to have him back."
Zub is averaging over 21 minutes per game in his eight games played this season. Look for him to continue putting his defensive stamp on the game tonight as he's been known to do thus far.
Where to watch
Monday'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.
