Game Day Notes: Sens @ Ducks

We've got the latest from Anaheim including a look at tonight's projected line-up, starting goaltender and more before the puck drops at 10 p.m. against the Ducks.

Duchene not on the trip

So it's some good news / bad news to start things off today and that's the expected absence of Matt Duchene for the entire west coast trip. That's obviously not super optimal but the good news is that he has remained in Ottawa for the birth of his first child.
"Right now, we're not expecting him for the trip," said Sens head coach Guy Boucher. "I think that she's due in the next day so right now we're staying with that timeline so we're going to focus and get ready with the players that are here."
Duchene is currently second on the team in goals (18) and points (42) and is expected to be back in the line-up next week when the Sens return home to host the Colorado Avalanche.

Projected Line-up

Duchene missing this week is obviously less than ideal as the Sens have been receiving some increased offensive support as of late from his wingers Ryan Dzingel and Bobby Ryan. Dzingel, who currently ranks third on the team in goal-scoring with 17, has 4 goals in his last 4 games while Ryan has ammased 5 points (1G, 4A) over the same span. Now the duo will look to continue to click and it's likely that the recently-returned Jean-Gabriel Pageau will to take Duchene's spot down the middle.
"Those are points that you have to replace so you have to try and do that by committee," said Ryan on Duchene not playing this week. "Whoever slides in with Dzingel and I, we'll look to find a comfort zone and rhythym with them early because our line had been pretty good together the last few games."
The Sens will once again use 12 forwards and 6 defencemen so expect Nicholas Paul and Ben Harpur to draw back into the line-up tonight while Darren Archibald and Christian Wolanin will be the extras against Anaheim.

Here's a look at the Sens' projected line-up for tonight:
Tkachuk - White - Stone
Dzingel - Pageau - Ryan
Balcers - Tierney - Boedker
Paul - Smith - Paajarvi
Lajoie - Ceci
Harpur - DeMelo
Borowiecki - Jaros

In Goal

Anders Nilsson (3-8-1) gets the nod in goal tonight against the Ducks as he hunts for his first win with the Senators after being acquired last week from the Vancouver Canucks. Nilsson appeared in both games last weekend after coming in mid-way through Sunday's game against the Hurricanes but is feeling fortunate for the opportunity that the current 3-game road trip offers to continue to familiarize himself with his new club and teammates.
"It's been good to get to know the guys here a little more," said Nilsson about the California trip. "I've been getting more familiar with all the staff members, teammates and coaches and how things work so I feel like I'm starting to settle in more and more."

Where to Watch

It's the first of three late starts this week so why don't you do it right and head out to Jonny Canuck's to catch the game where they'll be serving up 25% off Molson Canadian all night long.