Game 7: Winnipeg Jets @ Ottawa Senators
After an ugly 7-2 loss to Philadelphia, the Senators return to action tonight against the Winnipeg Jets. WOO HOO! I think most of us are super excited about Winnipeg's return to the NHL. The Jets are coming off a 4-3 shootout loss to the Maple Leafs, and sit one point ahead of the Senators. Sergei Gonchar will return to the lineup meaning Brian Lee is a healthy scratch again. Craig Anderson will start.
Here are the lines courtesy of James Gordon.
Colin Greening - Jason Spezza - Milan Michalek
Nick Foligno - Peter Regin - Daniel Alfredsson
Zack Smith - Mika Zibanejad - Chris Neil
Jesse Winchester - Stéphane Da Costa - Erik Condra
Filip Kuba - Erik Karlsson
Sergei Gonchar - Jared Cowen
Chris Phillips - David Rundblad
Craig Anderson (starter)
Alex Auld
Stats and talking points after the jump.
Here are my talking points:
- Gonchar and power play: The power play didn't look that good last time out. Sergei Gonchar's return should help with that. Also, Gonchar was having a pretty good game against Washington so hopefully he can continue that.
- Zibanejad back to centre: If these are the last few games for Zibanejad for Ottawa this season, I am glad he is at least being allowed to showcase his talent in his natural position.
- Da Costa on fourth line: Da Costa hasn't been very good recently and he is relegated to the fourth line with Condra and the returning Jesse Winchester.
- Winchester makes debut: Speaking of Winchester, he will replace Zenon Konopka in the lineup. He is a pretty good fourth liner and I much prefer him to Konopka.
- Karlsson's offence: Karlsson has been involved in 8 of the 15 goals the Senators have scored. Best player so far this season.
- Solid goaltending: The Senators are going to need solid goaltending from Craig Anderson tonight. After the last game, the team might be a little fragile and will need Anderson to be good early on.
- Make it seven: Woo! The Jets are back! I hope they lose tonight but so happy for them.
Here are the 2011-2012 comparative statistics for the Senators and the Jets:
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