Game Day Notes: Game #53 - Sens vs. Ducks

Get set for tonight's 7:30 p.m. puck drop against the Anaheim Ducks with the latest pre-game news and notes, including some details on tonight's commemorative puck drop, the projected line-up and more...

Black History Month

A living legend will be in attendance at tonight's game as Willie O'Ree is set to drop the puck in a ceremonial face-off in support of Black History Month. O'Ree has been in town as part of the NHL's American Legacy Black Hockey History Tour, which will also visit Canadian Tire Centre this evening at Gate 1 plaza from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., as well as coaching opposite Sens forward Anthony Duclair in a game in support of Black History Month and the 125th anniversary of the Coloured Hockey League of the Martimes last night.
Duclair, who had last visited with O'Ree prior to the NHL Draft in 2013, was ecstatic that the first black player in the National Hockey League remembered him after all these years. Duclair spoke incredibly highly of O'Ree's contributions both as a player and now in an ambassador role and credited him for much of the growth of the game among minorities in recent years.
"He's a true pioneer for this league," said Duclair of O'Ree. "Everything he's doing after his career in trying to grow the game for black hockey players has been awesome. We can't thank him enough and it was a real honour to see him again."

Projected line-up

Sens head coach D.J. Smith met with the media this morning at Canadian Tire Centre and confirmed that he'll utilize the same line-up as Saturday's 2-1 overtime loss to the Maple Leafs. Smith praised his team's effort in defeat in Toronto this past weekend and has stressed that his club won't overlook an Anaheim squad that sits second last in the Western Conference.
"You look at their line-up and they have some high-end defencemen, some really good forwards up front who are big and physical," said Smith. "The have some world-class players and I think every team in the league, for the most part, has top-end players that have the capability to beat anyone. And this team is one of them."

Here's a look at the Sens' projected lines and pairing against the Ducks:
Tkachuk - Pageau - Brown
Namestnikov - Tierney - Duclair
Ennis - White - Batherson
Chlapik - Anisimov - Sabourin
Chabot - Hainsey
Borowiecki - DeMelo
Reilly - Zaitsev

In goal

The coach also shared that he hadn't landed on a decision for his starting goaltender this evening. Given that Craig Anderson (7-12-2) took part in today's optional morning skate and Marcus Hogberg (2-3-6) did not, I'd say it's more likely Hogberg gets the call tonight against the Ducks. Despite an irregular 1-1-4 record last month, Hogberg compiled a sparkling save percentage of .924 over 7 appearances in January. Stay tuned for confirmation closer to warm-up either way...

Dress accordingly

A quick fashion advisory if you are coming to the rink tonight that the Sens will sport their NHL 100 Classic jerseys against the Ducks. Here's a look at the final two games that they're expected to wear them this season:

Where to watch

It's a 7:30 p.m. start at Canadian Tire Centre and here's how you can catch all the action between the Sens and Ducks...
BROADCAST: TSN5, RDS2
TICKETS:
ottsens.com/SensTicketHub
RADIO:
TSN 1200
,
94,5 Unique FM
If you're in need of the perfect spot to catch tonight's game then we've got you covered. Swing on by any The Royal Oak Publocation in the city where they'll be serving up Molson Canadian and half price wings all game long. Beer and wings? Works for me.
To find out where our next watch party will be and specials you can enjoy, visit the full schedule
click here
.