Game-day Preview #2: Toronto Maple Leafs @ Ottawa Senators
By Jack Baines
After waiting 10 months between games, the Sens made a statement last night with a 5-3 win over the Maple Leafs
While I’m sure the satisfaction of seeing their beloved team beat the hated Leafs will be enough to hold most Sens fans over for at least a few weeks, the league evidently disagrees as the two teams face off yet again tonight.
While the playoffs are likely a long-shot for Ottawa, every game counts in a shortened season. If they want to make some noise in the North Division, back-to-back wins to open the season would be a good start.
Lineup Changes
Matt Murray was solid in his Sens debut last night but Marcus Hogberg is expected to make his season debut in the second game of a back-to-back. After earning 24 games last season, it will be interesting to see how much D.J. Smith and the staff relies on their backup this season now that the team has traded assets and forked over big dollars to bring in Murray. Last season Hogberg played his way into the starting job by the end of the season, so he’s shown he can compete at the NHL level.
With no off-day between games the Sens did not skate this morning, so there have been no indications as to any other lineup changes. Expect Colin White and possibly Alex Galchenyuk to draw into the lineup as the team will likely benefit from getting everyone some game action, especially since the team doesn’t play again until Tuesday.
If the team does head in that direction, Cedric Paquette and Artem Anisimov could be the odd men out. While Ottawa’s top-nine forwards looked good last night, the fourth line struggled and was often hemmed into their own zone for minutes at a time. Paquette and Anisimov were the only Sens forwards with a negative plus-minus last night, while linemate Austin Watson will likely keep his spot in the lineup after scoring in his debut and being in the middle of some scrums late in the game.
On defense, look for Mike Reilly to draw into the lineup on the left side. Thomas Chabot isn’t going anywhere, so look for him to replace either Christian Wolanin or Braydon Coburn. Wolanin certainly has a brighter future and played a minute more than the veteran, injuries have haunted the 25-year old, so don’t be surprised if the team takes a cautious approach with him early in the season.
Sens player to watch
With respect to Colin White looking to turn the page on his opening night scratch, the player to watch couldn’t be anyone other than Tim Stützle. He was the player to watch last night and although he was held off the scoresheet in 12 minutes of action, he looked like a player who very much belonged in the NHL.
This won’t be the last time Stützle graces this section this season, and with any luck he’ll be a regular fixture here for years to come. So tonight, Sens fans will once again watch eagerly to see if he’ll tally his first NHL goal, and maybe win a game if there’s time.
Opponent player to watch
After being held scoreless in an astounding 24 minutes of ice-time last night, Mitch Marner is stuck on just one assist this season. Marner was coming off an overall solid year last season but one that failed to live up to his mega-contract signed in the off-season.
The Maple Leafs have yet to hit their stride offensively this season and Marner’s struggles, albeit in a small sample size, have played a role in that. If the Sens want to repeat last night’s success, keeping him from taking over is a must.