Game #61 Preview and Open Thread: Winnipeg Jets @ Ottawa Senators

While all of us here at Silver Seven Sens were up in arms on Tuesday about the departure of Dylan DeMelo, the Ottawa Senators, backed by a crowd of over 15,000 fans, were also up in arms, celebrating goal after goal in a 7-4 victory against the Buffalo Sabres.

Seriously guys, a poor decision was made but we’re going to be okay, I think? Two top-10 picks, anyone?

Tonight, the Senators look to win their third straight game against the Winnipeg Jets, and yes, by extension Dylan DeMelo.

Winnipeg, despite losing several key contributors on the back end from last season, including Dustin Byfuglien and Jacob Trouba, find themselves in a major dogfight for a playoff berth; they stand only one point back of the Arizona Coyotes for the second wild-card spot int the Western Conference.

Here are the projected lines for your Ottawa Senators, based on yesterday’s practice, per the Athletic’s Hailey Salvian:

Marcus Hogberg is expected to start in goal tonight.

Game Notes:

• With three goals and three assists in his last two games, Jean-Gabriel Pageau has increased his totals to 24 goals and 40 points in 58 games. Pageau, along with Vladislav Namestnikov, and Tyler Ennis, remain the most likely candidates to be moved in the next few days.
• Back in the off-season, many believed the Jets got the short end of the stick in the Jacob Trouba deal, which brought back defenceman Neal Pionk and a 2019 1st rounder. Trouba has 24 points in 58 games with the New York Rangers, while Pionk has 39 in 61.
• Sens fans might get their first look at newly acquired Jayce Hawryluk, who was claimed off of waivers on Monday. Our GM, whose name I won’t speak so as to not trigger any of you beyond the point of no return, describes him as “an energetic, puck pursuit-type player”, which is ideal for a fourth line role.
• Puck drop is set for 7:30 PM, and you can catch the game on TSN5, RDS2, TSN3 and the radio via TSN 1200.
• An update before the game: Scott Sabourin will take Namestnikov’s place in the lineup, as the latter will be a healthy scratch. There seems to be teams with interest in his services, and so Ottawa wants to protect him from injury.

Stats:

• All stats are from NHL.com, except for Corsi% and xGF% from NaturalStatTrick.com: