Ottawa Senators Prepare For Rematch Against The Pittsburgh Penguins

The Ottawa Senators are preparing for their first game since they returned from Sweden. It will be their first rematch against the Pittsburgh Penguins since game seven of the Eastern Conference Final last season.

This game will be the first opportunity for the Ottawa Senators to play Pittsburgh since they were defeated in double overtime of game seven last year. Although there may be some extra emotion in this game it’s a game that can be used as a measuring stick. The Penguins won the Stanley Cup in two straight seasons and until proven otherwise are one of the best teams in the league.

Forward

The Sens will use 11 of their forwards tonight. They will be: Mike Hoffman, Derick Brassard, Mark Stone, Ryan Dzingel, Matt Duchene, Bobby Ryan, Tom Pyatt, Jean-Gabriel Pageau, Chris DiDomenico, Alex Burrows, and Nate Thompson.

Defence

On the blue line the Sens will dress seven defencemen. They will be: Fredrik Claesson, Erik Karlsson, Dion Phaneuf, Cody Ceci, Johnny Oduya, Mark Borowiecki, and Chris Wideman.

Goal

In goal Craig Anderson will get the start. The last game in Sweden Condon was pulled after allowing three goals on ten shots.

Chris Wideman

An interesting factor in tonight’s game is Chris Wideman. He will play on the fourth line as a winger. Normally a defenceman, he’s being dressed as a forward tonight. In all likelihood this is just a formality and he will be used nearly exclusively on the powerplay.

Duchene And Ryan

This will be the first game that Matt Duchene and Bobby Ryan will play together. With Ryan returning from injury they will have an opportunity to build some chemistry going forward.

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Getting A Win Streak Going

If the Ottawa Senators are to win tonight it would be their first three game win streak since their trip through Western Canada.