Artem Zub is back, but fans might be frustrated on who Travis Green scratched

For the past nine games, the Ottawa Senators were without defenseman Artem Zub in the lineup due to a concussion. Zub's defensive presence has been missed, and it was missed more after the Senators' ugly 5-1 loss on Tuesday night against the Buffalo Sabres.

The good news is on Zub is he is returning to the lineup for tonight's game against the New York Islanders. However, head coach Travis Green made a decision regarding the defense pairs with Zub returning that might get fans frustrated.

Zub will be on top defense pair, but one defenseman who has found consistency is scratched

According to TSN 1200 Ottawa, Zub will be paired on the Senators' top defense pair alongside Jake Sanderson. However, Jacob Bernard-Docker, who has been consistent since stepping in for Zub in the lineup, will be scratched. Travis Hamonic will be paired with Tyler Kleven.

Zub was present at the morning skate in Buffalo, but wasn't quite ready yet to return. Two days later, Zub was at the morning skate and is ready to go for tonight. However, the decision to not take Hamonic out of the lineup for Bernard-Docker who has been consistent might be concerning.

Hamonic +/- rating got worse on Tuesday and is now a -5 on the season, which is tied for worst on the team with Sanderson, but Sanderson plays a huge role on offense and defense.

Kleven has played in all 12 games this season at 22 years old, and is maturing big, but so was Bernard-Docker who only played in 32 games from 2020-2023. When Bernard-Docker stepped in for Zub, he got more NHL experience and was learning fast. With Bernard-Docker now scratched, it could impact the Senators defense.

Green's decision might not be appealing for everyone, but the Senators are going to need Hamonic to get better. With Zub in the lineup, the defense should be better, but the Islanders are a sneaky team in the East to watch out for tonight.