Ottawa Senators Look To Shut Down The Toronto Offence

OTTAWA, ON - OCTOBER 19: Ottawa Senators Left Wing Mike Hoffman (68) skates around as there is a stoppage in play during third period National Hockey League action between the New Jersey Devils and Ottawa Senators on October 19, 2017, at Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa, ON, Canada. (Photo by Richard A. Whittaker/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
OTTAWA, ON - OCTOBER 19: Ottawa Senators Left Wing Mike Hoffman (68) skates around as there is a stoppage in play during third period National Hockey League action between the New Jersey Devils and Ottawa Senators on October 19, 2017, at Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa, ON, Canada. (Photo by Richard A. Whittaker/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

The battle of Ontario is back for the first time in a long time. The high flying Toronto Maple Leafs are the hottest team in the league out of the gate, but the Ottawa Senators will look to slow them down in their first matchup of the season tonight.

The Toronto Maple Leafs have lost just one game thus far this season and will be looking for their fourth straight tonight. The Ottawa Senators will be looking to shut down the Leafs and get their first win on home ice this season.

Forward

At forward the Sens have some changes. With Zack Smith injured against the Devils the Sens recalled Christopher DiDomenico from the AHL. Along with DiDomenico the Sens will ice: Ryan Dzingel, Kyle Turris, Alex Burrows, Bobby Ryan, Derick Brassard, Mark Stone, Mike Hoffman, Jean-Gabriel Pageau, Tom Pyatt, Nate Thompson, and Logan Brown.

Defence

On defence Mark Borowiecki is still out with an injury, as a result, the players the Sens will be icing will be: Johnny Oduya, Erik Karlsson, Dion Phaneuf, Cody Ceci, Fredrik Claesson, and Chris Wideman.

Goal

In goal despite a poor performance against the Devils the Sens will turn to Craig Anderson. Overall, he has played very well to start the season and the Sens believe Thursday night was just a bump in the road.

Next: Ottawa Senators: The Impressive Career Of Alex Burrows

Key To The Game

The game tonight will be the tale of two teams. The high flying, offensively charged Maple Leafs taking on the defensively responsible Ottawa Senators. There was a time when playing the Leafs meant nothing and was looked at as an easy win. Those days are long gone, and the Leafs are no among the best in the league. The Sens will need to put forth their best effort if they hope to shut down this offensive juggernaut.