Game 28 Preview: Ottawa Senators @ San Jose Sharks

If you’re anything like me, you could really catch up on some sleep after a couple late starts during the Senators’ annual California road trip. They come back East after tonight’s game versus San Jose, trying to squeeze out as many points as possible.

Ottawa’s on a bit of a losing skid, going 1-9-1 in their last eleven games. Thursday’s game against the Kings gave some hope with the late comeback, as well as Erik Karlsson regaining his elite form. Although they only managed to come out with a single point, it’s hopefully a building block to revert back to their usual more competitive selves.

The lineup will stay the same as the previous two games, with Fredrik Claesson as Ottawa’s only healthy scratch. Craig Anderson draws in as tonight’s starter.

Here are the projected line combos from Bruce Garrioch:

Here are some notes:

• Boucher’s been receiving some criticism for his lineup decisions, and it’s definitely warranted. Fredrik Claesson in particular has done nothing to deserve being scratched, especially with Johnny Oduya still in the lineup.
• Nobody with the talent level of Mike Hoffman should have to deal with Gabriel Dumont playing on the same line.
• When discussion playing Harpur playing next to Karlsson, Boucher cited Karlsson having his best two games of the season next to the 6’6” defender. Although that may be true, there’s no indication that Karlsson’s prior partners were the reason for his slump.
• Ryan Dzingel is on pace for 27 goals this season. His 19.6% shooting percentage is likely to drop, although his 1.7 shots per game is up from 1.5 last year.
• The last time Craig Anderson had a season with a save percentage below 90% was in 2005-06 with the Chicago Blackhawks. We know he can do better than this, so hopefully he can give the team a chance to win tonight.
• Brent Burns has only two goals in 27 games (although an insanely low 1.9% shooting percentage).
• It’s Marvel Superhero night at the SAP Centre in San Jose. Hopefully a Senator or five can step up and be tonight’s hero.

Here are some stats, from NHL.com and Natural Stat Trick: