Game Day Notes: Sens vs. Canadiens

A quick convo with Drake Batherson about blocking a bunch of Shea Weber shots on Tuesday, a look at the Sens projected line-up and more before tonight's rematch against the Canadiens.

Block Party

When I was reviewing Tuesday's game sheet following the Sens' 5-2 defeat in Montreal, something jumped out at me. Rookie Drake Batherson, who has recorded 7 points (3G, 4A) in 10 games with the Senators this season, had 5 blocked shots against the Canadiens.
"That was probably the most blocked shots I've ever had in a game," said Batherson. "I'm not really known for my shot blocking abilities but at this level I want to contribute anyway that I can."
Three of those blocked shots came off the stick of noted slapshot man Shea Weber and for a rookie still finding his way in the NHL, it takes some guts to hang in there against arguably the league's hardest shooter.
"Luckily they hit me in the shin pads and not the foot," joked Batherson. "You can just feel the heat from his shot. He missed a few that hit the glass and you could hear the power he gets behind his shot. He's got a bomb."

The Sens have shown a re-commitement to defence over the past week and big part of that has been limiting the amount of shots that Craig Anderson faces on a nightly basis. Batherson was quick to point out that the team's veterans are leading by example in that department.
"When you see other guys on this team laying out to block shots, it really gets the bench fired up," Batherson said. "You see your teammates doing it so you want to get out there and do it too."

Projected Line-up

One lone piece of line-up info to pass along today and that pertains to the availability of Max Lajoie tonight. Lajoie has missed the Sens last two games with an injury but is expected to take the warm-up tonight and will be a game-time decision.
"It's going to come down to tonight's warm-up," said Lajoie after taking part in this morning's optional skate. "I'm feeling good today, I felt good yesterday so it's positive right now."

Here's a look at the Sens projected line-up for tonight if Lajoie is unable to return:
Dzingel - Duchene - Batherson
Tkachuk - White - Stone
Boedker - Tierney - Ryan
Pyatt - Smith - Paajarvi
Chabot - DeMelo
Harpur - Ceci
Falk - Jaros

In goal

Craig Anderson (11-10-3) gets the start for the Sens tonight and his second crack at the Canadiens this week. Anderson was beaten for 5 goals on 41 shots in Montreal on Tuesday after earning wins in his previous two starts.

Where to Watch

We've got ourselves a 7:30 p.m. start at Canadian Tire Centre this evening and if you'd like to join use you can grab some tickets
here
.
Can't make it to the rink? Why not round up a crew and head to Hometown Sports Grill because they'll be serving up $7 tall cans of Molson Canadian during the game.