Game Day Notes: Game #35 - Sens @ Lightning
by Craig Medaglia @craigmedaglia / Ottawa Senators
The Sens wrap up their quick 2-game swing through the Sunshine State tonight against the Lightning and we've got all the latest pre-game news and notes to get you ready for our 7 p.m. start in Tampa Bay.
Projected line-up
Sens head coach D.J. Smith met with the media upon arriving at the rink in Tampa and shared that he'll roll with the same forwards and defence as last night's 6-1 loss to the Panthers. Smith has been encouraged by his team's play in the second half of consecutive games and is looking for his club to answer following a disappointing defensive effort in Sunrise.
"I think we've always been good after not playing great. Rarely has it been defensively for us but I thought last night we didn't compete hard enough in our own zone," said the coach. "Whether that be new people or guys getting used to each other or whatever the case may be. We have to be much better today and we will be."
Based on last night's lines and pairings, here's tonight's Sens projected line-up against the Lightning:
Tkachuk - Pageau - C. Brown
Namestnikov - Tierney - Duclair
Paul - Anisimov - Ennis
L. Brown - Beaudin - White
Chabot - Hainsey
Borowiecki - Goloubef
Brannstrom - Englund
In goal
Marcus Hogberg (0-1-0) gets the nod in net tonight for the Senators as the rookie netminder looks to lock down his first career NHL win. in two appearances with Ottawa this season, Hogberg has been steady recording a 1.82 GAA and .925 sv% over 5 periods of work split between the Flames and Canucks.
"I think he was real good in Calgary and gave us every opportunity to win the game there," said Smith about his young goalie. "He's been good down in Belleville but it's certainly not an ideal start for a guy looking for his first one on a back-to-back. In saying that, we've been really good on back-to-backs with good energy and we'll do everything we can to do a better job boxing out and limits their chances."
With Craig Anderson still sidelined with a lower body injury, Anders Nilsson draws back-up duty.
Previous meeting
These teams met earlier this season in Ottawa on October 12th where the Sens doubled up the Lightning by a 4-2 final. Vladislav Namestnikov led the way offensively with 3 points which included a pair of goals in the third period to seal the victory. In net, Craig Anderson was steady stopping 19 of the 21 shots he faced to earn the decision.
Full highlights from that game below:
Video: Namestnikov powers Senators to first win of season
Where to watch
It's a 7 p.m. start in Tampa and here's how you can catch all the action between the Sens and Lightning...
BROADCAST: TSN5, RDS
RADIO: TSN 1200, 94,5 Unique FM
Need the perfect place to catch tonight's game? Then hit up Local Heroes (1400 Clyde Ave.) where they'll be serving up personal pitcher and wing specials for all Sens games.
To find out where our next watch party will be and specials you can enjoy, visit the full schedule click here.