The set-up
The Sens (4-15-1) have lost five straight as they head back out on the road. The Senators lost 6-2 to Vancouver Wednesday night at Canadian Tire Centre.
Carolia (15-5-1) has lost its last two and are 1-3-1 over its last five games. However, they sit second in the Metropolitan Division while their 31 points are tied for the fifth most in the NHL and their 15 wins are only bested by two other teams (Toronto and Edmonton).
Ottawa scored a power play goal Wednesday night but will face a tough penalty kill tonight; the Hurricanes are tied for third at 87.7 per cent. However, Carolina hasn't scored a power play goal since Nov. 16 and are 0-for-17 in seven games since.
The first goal will be critical tonight as the Hurricanes are 8-2-1 if they get out to a 1-0 lead. Three of Ottawa's four wins this year have come when they score first.
When outshooting opponents this year, Ottawa are 0-4-0 while Carolina are 5-0-1 when they have less shots than their opposition. The Hurricanes' +20 goal difference is the fifth best in the NHL.
Roster notes
Tyler Ennis will draw back in tonight for the Senators although D.J. Smith said this morning that a decision has yet to be made on who he will replace.
Smith did confirm that Anton Forsberg will start in goal tonight. The Swede, who played three games for the Hurricanes in 2019-20, is 1-4-0 in six games this season.
Previous history
The Senators are 41-52-6 with eight ties all-time against Carolina. In Raleigh, the Sens have collected 14 wins and 35 points in 52 games.
Chris Tierney has five assists in five games as a member of the Sens against the Hurricanes and in his career versus Carolina he has one goal and 10 points in 12 contests. Ennis has five career goals against the Canes.
The Hurricanes visit Ottawa Jan. 27
Who to watch
Adam Gaudette made his Sens debut Wednesday and got on the scoreboard in the first period with a power play marker, the sixth of his NHL career.
His only goal with Chicago this season, before he was claimed off waivers by the Sens, was against Carolina on Oct. 29.
Where to watch
Thursday's game can be seen live on TSN5 and RDS at 7 p.m. Fans can also tune into the radio call on TSN 1200 and Unique FM 94,5.
