Game 38: Calgary Flames @ Ottawa Senators
The Ottawa Senators will play their final home game of 2011 when they host the Calgary Flames. After two disappointing losses to Carolina and Montréal, the Senators have dropped to ninth place in the eastern conference. The Flames currently sit 11th in the west, but are only two points behind the final playoff spot. It is a close race in both conferences and both clubs could use a win tonight.
Alex Auld will get the start tonight after Craig Anderson's horror show on Tuesday. Chris Phillips will return and Matt Carkner will be the healthy scratch. Paul MacLean also shuffled the lines as seen below courtesy of Nicolas St-Pierre.
Colin Greening - Jason Spezza - Milan Michalek
Erik Condra - Kyle Turris - Daniel Alfredsson
Nick Foligno - Zack Smith - Bobby Butler
Kaspars Daugavins - Zenon Konopka - Chris Neil
Filip Kuba - Erik Karlsson
Jared Cowen - Sergei Gonchar
Chris Phillips - Brian Lee
Alex Auld (starter)
Craig Anderson
More after the jump.
Here are things to look for tonight:
- Turris with Alfredsson: Paul MacLean is trying to find someone who can play with Kyle Turris after Bobby Butler didn't produce. What kind of chemistry will the captain have with Turris?
- Auld starts: Craig Anderson has done well after being pulled, and the Senators had two days off, but Paul MacLean still went with Alex Auld. A message being sent to Anderson or just playing Auld in one of the back-to-backs?
- Milestones: Daniel Alfredsson needs one goal for 400 goals and Jarome Iginla needs two for #500. Will either captain get it tonight?
- Phillips return: Chris Phillips didn't stay out too long and will attempt to start another iron man streak tonight. Brian Lee played 13:30 and Matt Carkner played 13:54 on Tuesday. Will Phillips return help MacLean trust the bottom pairing a bit more?
