Big update on Senators defense ahead of Maple Leafs game

The Ottawa Senators have a huge showdown at Canadian Tire Centre tonight at 7 p.m. ET against the Toronto Maple Leafs. Tonight will feel like a playoff atmosphere with how tight the playoff race is in the Eastern Conference. The Senators have 52 points and are out of a playoff position and the Maple Leafs are leading the Atlantic Division with 62 points.

When playing a top team in the NHL like the Maple Leafs, it's always important to have your team fully healthy. Two Senators defensemen will return to the lineup, but one important piece of the defense will not be in the lineup for not only tonight, but tomorrow as well.

Jake Sanderson and Travis Hamonic return; Nick Jensen will be out

According to Travis Green this morning, Jake Sanderson will play and Travis Hamonic returns to the lineup tonight against the Maple Leafs, but Nick Jensen will be out for both games this weekend against the Maple Leafs and tomorrow against the Utah Hockey Club.

Sanderson missed the Senators' last game on Thursday night against the Boston Bruins. Even without the 22-year-old, the Senators allowed two goals (one was an empty-net goal) against the Bruins.

Hamonic has not played since Jan. 3 against the St. Louis Blues. At 34 years old, Hamonic is having a struggling season with only recording three assists and being tied for the second lowest +/- rating on the team of -10.

For Jensen, he's been a major part of the Senators' defense with having the highest +/- rating on the team of +15. The 34-year-old has been a surprise offensively with having 18 points. Being out against a high powered Maple Leafs offense could be a major impact in the Senators lineup.

While the Senators are excited to have Sanderson and Hamonic healthy and return to the lineup, not having Jensen against the Maple Leafs will be something to keep an eye on. The second Battle of Ontario meeting will be an important one tonight.