Ottawa Senators Look To Bounce Back Versus Coyotes

OTTAWA, ON - NOVEMBER 16: Ottawa Senators Center Matt Duchene (95) skates during warm-up before period National Hockey League action between the Pittsburgh Penguins and Ottawa Senators on November 16, 2017, at Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa, ON, Canada. (Photo by Richard A. Whittaker/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
OTTAWA, ON - NOVEMBER 16: Ottawa Senators Center Matt Duchene (95) skates during warm-up before period National Hockey League action between the Pittsburgh Penguins and Ottawa Senators on November 16, 2017, at Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa, ON, Canada. (Photo by Richard A. Whittaker/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Today the Ottawa Senators have a prime opportunity to get two points and move up in the standings. They play the Arizona Coyotes, a team that has just three wins so far, this season.

The Arizona Coyotes only just got their first regulation win of the season the other day, in their 21st game of the season. Failing to win a game against a team like this would be unacceptable for the Ottawa Senators.

Forward

At forward the Sens have not announced if they will use 11 or 12 forwards, but with Chris Wideman out they opt to use 12 forwards today. The forwards they have available are: Tom Pyatt, Derick Brassard, Mark Stone, Ryan Dzingel, Matt Duchene, Bobby Ryan, Mike Hoffman, Jean-Gabriel Pageau, Chris DiDomenico, Alex Burrows, Nate Thompson, and Nick Paul.

Defence

On defence the Sens have seven defencemen available. It will be interesting to see if they use all seven or just six. The players available are: Fredrik Claesson, Erik Karlsson, Dion Phaneuf, Cody Ceci, Johnny Oduya, Mark Borowiecki, and Ben Harpur.

Goal

In goal it seems likely that Craig Anderson will get the start again. Condon will need to earn the trust of Guy Boucher again after his poor performance in Sweden.

Next: Ottawa Senators: Ben Harpur Recalled From Belleville

A Crucial Two Points

With the Ottawa Senators playing the worst team in the league by far, anything short of a win is unacceptable. Losing against Pittsburgh was acceptable after two weeks of travel and a strange schedule. However, now it’s time for the Ottawa Senators to get grinding once again.