Game 50: Ottawa Senators @ Anaheim Ducks
The Ottawa Senators will continue their western road trip with an afternoon game in Anaheim. Andre Petersson will make his NHL debut as he comes in for Bobby Butler. Despite leaving the game in San Jose, Zack Smith and Kaspars Daugavins will both play (one doesn't give a crap about injuries and the other because he is Latvian). On defence, Matt Carkner will draw back into the lineup for Mark Borowiecki. As always, Craig Anderson will start.
The Senators did not practise today, but with Bobby Butler coming out, Petersson would likely take his spot on the fourth line. Here are my projections:
Colin Greening - Jason Spezza - Milan Michalek
Erik Condra - Kyle Turris - Daniel Alfredsson
Nick Foligno - Zack Smith - Chris Neil
Kaspars Daugavins - Zenon Konopka - Andre Petersson
Here are some things to look out for today:
- Petersson's debut: Having seen him play in a few preseason games as well as the rookie tournament, Petersson has some incredible skill. He does everything at full speed and the physicality of North American hockey hasn't gotten to him in the AHL. The NHL is a step up though and today will be a good experience for him to enjoy.
- Play well and win: The Senators have got the winning part right these days, but the playing well part? Not as much. It would be nice to have a solid game and win as well.
- Ducks surging: The Ducks might be out of the playoff hunt, but they have gone 6-0-1 in their last 7, scoring 31 goals in their six wins. It will be definitely a harder game than the standings might suggest.
- Craig Anderson continues to dominate: Anderson has allowed eight goals in the last six games and no more than two in any of them. It's been incredible stuff but Ottawa can't continue to win playing like this.
