The Canucks have been extremely underwhelming in the early going but are certainly not a team to be taken lightly. Daniel and Henrik Sedin can break a game open on their own and both find themselves in the top 15 in league scoring coming into this one.
The problem for Vancouver has been the inconsistent play of Roberto Luongo. In 13 starts, Luongo has posted a 2.97 GAA and an ugly .896 SV%. With Luongo fighting a little bit of an injury, it should come as no surprise that the Canucks will turn to back-up Cory Schneider in this one.
Ottawa is not expected to make any changes to the line up which means rookie defenceman David Rundblad will once again watch from the press box. I understand that it's tough to mess with a winning line up but Rundblad needs to be playing games. Would not be surprised to see him end up in Binghamton for a bit once Matt Carkner is healthy enough to return.
Here is how the Sens should line up...
Greening-Spezza-Michalek
Foligno-DaCosta-Alfredsson
Daugavins-Smith-Condra
Konopka-Winchester-Butler
Kuba-Karlsson
Phillips-Gonchar
Cowen-Lee
Don't be surprised to see MacLean shuffle the pairings on the back end a little bit depending on the situation.
If Ottawa can turn in an effort like we saw against the Flames and Oilers, they should give the Canucks all they can handle. Top priority for Paul MacLean's group will be staying out of the box. The Canucks boast the NHL's number one power play and will bury you if given the chance. And while Ottawa's PK has been better as of late, best not to tempt fate against the Canucks.
The Sens have four days off after this one and would love to close out the Western swing on a high note. Puck drop is scheduled for just after 9:00 PM on SportsNet and TVA. Keep an eye on the comment section for a stream.
PRAISE THE PROPHET DANIEL ALFREDSSON
The win against Edmonton was not that impressive to be honest. We totalled 16 shots in that game. If it wasn't for Anderson standing on his head early, that game would have been over in the first 10 minutes. Khabibulin let in some weak ones too.
Looking at the win against Calgary, Anderson stood on his head again, making 38 saves on 39 shots. Even look at the Leafs game last weekend, we were outplayed for a very big part of that game, being out-shot 33-24.
The point is, if it wasn't for Anderson we wouldn't have won any of those 3 games.
The team needs to do more to support him if they plan on beating Vancouver.
Shot totals are way too vague for basing a team's overall performance.
Agree with you on why we won, but still even though Anderson bailed us here and there , we did play good enough
to defeat all the 3 teams we faced.
Butler finally scored, and our 3-4 line players also won us a game.
Yeah you're right, and I think in the Calgary game the shot totals were probably not a good representation of our overall game.
The Leafs game however I thought we played a very lackluster first two periods, and in the third Toronto's goaltending stunk up the place like they have been since Reimer got injured.
Same with the Edmonton game, I was not at all impressed on how we played. Goaltending was again the difference.
All I'm saying is that we should be happy with the wins in those games, but we shouldn't really be happy about the way the team performed overall.
We need a much better effort if we want to beat a stacked team like Vancouver. They may be struggling early on, but the Canucks are a dangerous team any time they hit the ice.
With Luongo injured... the only option is Schneider.
Let's hope the Sens come out competing hard and get a couple of early goals.
Also Mr. Konopka... his name is Maxim Lapierre.... smash him... I can't stand that little punk.
We will need to move a D man soon as Carkner will be back soon
Lapierre gets a pass...it's another Tranna type ZEBRA MGMT game, Ottawa 67 PPs, Van 86 PPs...Ottawa 87PKs, Van 77PKs. These guys are just like Tranna (a 58 minute advantage in twenty games) and the numbers get worse @home with the Home Call. They have never forgiven the Silver Seven for the shellacking they gave the Vancouver Millionaires a hundred years ago.
Note: We were lucky to win 10 years ago it was a fluke!
Sorry Lapierre NEVER gets a pass from me. I hated him in Mtl and still hate him in Vancouver. He is a gutless punk..
I also agree that a Filatov, Foligno, Alfie line would be the best scenario for this kid.
On a great note, Prince has a 4 point game so far in the second period so far... 2 goals and 2 assists... Love our prospects.
I like to see him back... but could he have not waited one more week?
Kleinendorst said it was not a situation right now for young players to develop. They are still struggling...
Oh no! I forgot we play them next lol I just hope he can stay healthy. Before he got concussed, no one could compare to him. He was hands down, by far the best player in the world.
Would love to see Filatov - Foligno - Alfredsson once Filatov does get called up !
Might also see Michal;ek - Spezza - Butler , if Butler earns it by strong play !
All lines are producing, not really a good time to shake up the lines.
However, that second line is essentially what I envision when Filatov does get called up.
Watch him win the scoring title.
-Jason P.
Phillips is garbage? LOL I think you're watching the wrong games
Agreed, since the start of the season the defencemen have picked up their socks for the most part.
Yep, we're screwed.
http://www.firstrowsports.tv/watch/93508/1/watch-vancouver-canucks-vs-ottawa-senators.html
http://atdhenet.tv/41428/watch-ottawa-vs-vancouver
Yes, I agree. And Winchester with the moves!
after end of first period .
GO SENS GO !!!!!!!!!!!!
Take that back...Auld is playing brilliant! :)
I do! Quite surprised.
THATS TRUE
I really hope I'm wrong but I did predict we would lose to the Canucks and the Pens. So far I'm 4for4 on this road trip. But, I REALLY want to be wrong tonight! GO SENS GO!!!
Notice that on the PP, we haven't been getting shots or putting on any pressure but then as soon as the PP is over, we start to dominate.
Amen
"HERE GOES A LOSING STREAK............................................."?????
Let's hope not!!! GO SENS GO!
*echo echo*
I guess I'm 5 for 5 in predictions this road trip...bummer.
Tookie said we'd only beat the leafs...