Game Day Notes: Sens @ Canucks

The Sens kick off their 3-game trip through Western Canada tonight in Vancouver and we've got the latest on the projected line-up against the Canucks, a quick chat with Max Veronneau about his first road trip and more ahead of tonight's 10 p.m. start.

Veronneau ready for first NHL roadie

Prior to the Sens departing for Vancouver on Monday, I caught up with Max Veronneau who capped off a week to remember by departing on his very first NHL road trip.
"It's going to be fun," said Veronneau about the trip out west. "I'm excited to see how everything works and what the travel arrangements are like for a professional hockey team."
When asked if he had chatted up any of the veterans for packing advice for his first time traveling with the team, Veronneau felt pretty comfortable that he had everything under control.
"I assume just pack like a general week-long trip but with a few more suits and dress shirts."
He's not wrong.

It's been 8 days since Veronneau, an Ottawa-native, signed with the Senators as a college free agent and he's already crossed a few important firsts off the list. He appeared in his first NHL game last Thursday against the Blues and registered his first career NHL point last weekend with an assist versus Toronto so naturally Veronneau has his eyes on his next accomplishment.
"It was good to get that first point out of the way," he joked. "Now I just have to score a goal."

Projected Line-up

Sens interim head coach Marc Crawford met with the media in Vancouver today and shared that the Sens will roll with the same line-up as Saturday's 6-2 win against the Maple Leafs.
"We haven't changed a lot of the roles and responsibilities no matter where you play or who you play with," said the coach about his line-up. "Hopefully as long as they are playing a team game well then their individual talents will come to the forefront."

Crawford also provided a few quick injury updates on the players that didn't make the trip and shared that Thomas Chabot, who was week-to-week with a broken toe, will join the team tomorrow in Calgary and could play on Saturday against the Oilers. The news wasn't as positive for Colin White who has been battling a neck issue for the past week and a half. White remained in Ottawa to continue his recovery but no timeline for a return has been provided.
Here's how the line rushes looked for the Sens at today's skate:
Tkachuk - Pageau - Veronneau
Balcers - Tierney - Paajarvi
Smith - Lindberg - Ryan
Duclair - Gibbons - Boedker
Wolanin - Ceci
Harpur - DeMelo
Borowiecki - Jaros

In Goal

Anders Nilsson (13-17-1) will make his third straight start for the Senators tonight after picking up wins in his previous two appearances last week. Nilsson has gone 3-1-0 in 4 starts this month thanks to a sparkling .948 save percentage and 1.77 goals against average in games against the Panthers, Islanders, Blues and Maple Leafs.
Nilsson was acquired from the Canucks back in January and is looking forward to facing his former club for the first time since the trade.
"It's a different feeling coming back but it's fun to be back", he said after yesterday's practice in Vancouver. "Luckily we've been getting some good weather here so far and I'm sure it's going to be a fun game on Wednesday night."

Where to Watch

Is it a good omen that tonight's featured Molson spot is Jonny Canuck's?
Either way, if you're in need of a great place to catch tonight's late start in Vancouver and enjoy getting 25% off Molson Canadian all night long then be sure to hit it up.