Game Day 5: BUF vs OTT

The set up:

For the second time in as many games the Senators are set for a divisional test as they play host to the visiting Buffalo Sabres. Much like Detroit, Buffalo is seen by many as a team at the same stage of development as the Senators, finishing just five points apart last season. 

The Senators are looking to right the ship after falling to Detroit Red Wings on Saturday. The Senators strength this season has truly been the sheer depth with 11 skaters combining for their 22 goals through the first games. Within that the defensive core has been dynamite contributing six goals already early in this campaign. 

Buffalo will be looking to get back on track tonight after suffering a loss to Montreal last night. The beginning of the season hasn't gone according to plan for Buffalo, sitting at 2-4-0 through the first six games; however, this was a group that fell just one point shy of the playoffs last season and was a top-five offence last year posting 3.57 goals per game. Slowing down the top line of Tage Thompson, Dylan Cozens and Jordan Greenway will be the challenge tasked to Sanderson and Chabot tonight and a challenge it will be.

Much like last season we can expect this series to be a back-and-forth affair. Last year the teams split the sereis with each side claiming both wins at home. The Senators will look to keep that trend alive and well here tonight.

Roster report:

Below is how the Senators skated this morning during their practice at Canadian Tire Centre:

With Artem Zub out for the second straight game with an upper body injury, the Senators recalled defenceman Jacob Bernard-Docker from Belleville.

Who to watch:

With three goals in his first five games Jake Sanderson has been hard to miss this season. The second year pro burst onto the scene last year tallying four goals and 28 assists for 32 total points in 77 games. Sanderson has clearly taken a step in his sophmore year and the Senators are all the better for it!

While we're all aware of his offensive capabilities, his ability to be a premier shutdown defenceman in this league is where his true value lies. Head coach D.J. Smith has lauded Sanderson and his defensive partner Artem Zub as one of the best young shutdown pairings in the league.

With Zub out tonight, Sanderson is set to play alongside Thomas Chabot to form what could truly be a terrifying defensive presence for all who have to face it. Unfortunately for Buffalo they are first up to bat against this dynamic duo. Look for Sanderson to see increased play time here tonight with Zub out and Smith wanting his more experienced players to see more reps.

Craig Anderson Retirement:

It's official, Craig Anderson has signed his one-day contract to join the Ottawa Senators and tonight he retires and becomes an alumni of the club he spent a decade with. Anderson leads the organization in games played as a goaltender and wins while sitting second overall in shutouts behind Patrick Lalime. The club saw some of their most successful seasons after the 2007 Stanley Cup run with Anderson in net, including the 2017 playoff run that came just one overtime away from a second trip to the Stanley Cup final.

Anderson will be in house tonight with the visiting Buffalo Sabres whom he has taken on a mentorship role with. While puck drop may be at 6:45 Anderson will be presenting the ceremonial first puck drop and there will surely be quite the ovation when he hits the ice. Throughout the evening there are a couple more times when Anderson's presence will be called on as we all look to celebrate one of the best to ever stand tall between the pipes in Ottawa.

Where to watch:

For those not at Canadian Tire Centre, TSN5 will be providing an English broadcast of the game while RDS2 will have French coverage. Additionally, TSN1200 and Unique FM 94,5 have you covered on radio in English and French respectively.