The Ottawa Senators are coming to the end of the pre-season and soon the regular season will begin. However, first they must play their final game against the Montreal Canadiens tonight.
The Ottawa Senators got out to a quick start during pre-season with three straight victories including one over the Canadiens. However, since then they dropped two straight to the Devils and Jets. When these two teams last met one week ago, the Sens were victorious by a score of 5-1.
Now a week after defeating the Canadiens at home the Sens must do the same when they head to Montreal. The roster tonight will mostly be composed of NHL players as the team readies for the regular season.
Forward
At forward the Sens will be icing: Ryan Dzingel, Kyle Turris, Alex Formenton, Zack Smith, Logan Brown, Mark Stone, Mike Hoffman, Jean-Gabriel Pageau, Tom Pyatt, Max McCormick, Nate Thompson, and Alex Burrows.
Defence
On defence it will be some combination of: Dion Phaneuf, Cody Ceci, Chris Wideman, Johnny Oduya, Fredrik Claesson, Ben Harpur, Thomas Chabot, and Mark Borowiecki. Expect the bubble players to have a prominent role as tonight is the final pre-season game.
Goal
In goal Craig Anderson will get the start. Fresh off signing his two year extension, Anderson will look to ready himself for another year as the Sens starter. Mike Condon will be the backup.
Biggest Story
As tonight is the final night of the pre-season the biggest story is one of competition between Logan Brown and Alex Formenton. With Derick Brassard returning there is only room for one of them come opening night. The favourite to take the spot is Brown. However, with a strong enough performance Formenton could earn the spot for himself.
Next: Ottawa Senators: Derick Brassard Nears Return As Season Approaches
Next Game
Once the game ends there will be just five days before the regular season begins. The Ottawa Senators will take the ice in full for the first time on October fifth when they take on the Washington Capitals.