Game 41 Preview: Vancouver Canucks @ Ottawa Senators

With 2018 behind us, the Sens look to start 2019 with a much needed win against the Vancouver Canucks. The Sens are on a 5-game losing streak where they have been outshout 24-10 while the Canucks have had won 8 in their last 13 games. Falling to last place on New Year’s eve left a bitter taste in the players’ mouths and I fully expect a statement game from them tonight. It seems Mark Stone was trying to rally the troops in yesterday’s practice and with Anderson still injured, they need the added motivation. It should be noted that with a win tonight, the Sens could leap ahead of 4 teams to get out of the dreaded last place spot.

Guy Boucher is opting to go the 11-7 route with Nick Paul sitting out and Wolanin the 7th defenceman; full projected lineup for tonight’s game compliments of NHL.COM:

Game Notes:

• As of this morning, Hogberg was announced as the starter. I expect that to remain unchanged although it would be cool to see Nilsson play his first game against his former team 5 hours after getting traded.
• Matt Duchene is one assist away from 300; with the way he’s been playing I don’t see him taking long to get there. It would definitely be nice to start off the year with a milestone.
• It’s safe to say that Elias Pettersson has become a true threat in this league, I am really intrigued to see how our defense group will try to neutralize his electric offense.
• Game time is 7:00 p.m. You can catch the game at SN, SN360 or TVAS./

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

Team Stats

Player Stats