Game Day Five: Sabres vs Senators, Nov. 16
The set-up
The Senators host the Buffalo Sabres for the first of their two meetings at Canadian Tire Centre this season. This game of course is a rematch of opening night in which Buffalo walked away with a 4-1 victory behind a monstrous performance from former Senators goaltender Craig Anderson. However, that game was much closer than the score would indicate as it was a one-goal game going into the final minute of play before the Sabres converted a pair of empty net goals.
Though highly motivated to draw the season series even, the Senators will have their work cut out for them with this Sabres team. Buffalo boasts a top five offense in the league, averaging 3.69 goals per game through 16 contests. The Senators are not far behind with a top-ten offense putting home an average of 3.40 goals per game this season.
With two dynamic offenses fans should be prepared for a potentially high scoring affair at Canadian Tire Centre tonight!
Roster notes
Head Coach D.J. Smith mentioned in his post practice media availability that he is trying to make a push to have a true top nine forwards. In doing that he moved Drake Batherson to play alongside Shane Pinto and Tyler Motte in this morning's practice to add an extra boost to that line. Additionally, he mentioned that Anton Forsberg will get the start in net tonight.
Below is how the Senators lined up this morning for practice at Canadian Tire Centre:
Forwards:
Tkachuk - Stützle - Giroux
DeBrincat - Brassard - Joseph
Motte - Pinto - Batherson
Kelly - Kastelic - Watson
Gambrell
Defense:
Sanderson - Hamonic
Brannstrom - Bernard-Docker
Holden - Larsson
Zaitsev - Zub
Hockey Fights Cancer
Tonight, is the Senators annual Hockey Fights Cancer game at Canadian Tire Centre. Fans can expect to see the players warm up in their purple Hockey Fights Cancer jerseys, as well as all the rink boards changed over to purple decals for the evening.
At Canadian Tire Centre tonight fans can take their photo against a "Hockey Fights Cancer" backdrop to showcase who they are fighting for. Additionally, fans can download an "I Fight For" card, to showcase who they are fighting for and share it via social media using the hashtag #hockeyfightscancer.
Who to watch
In moving to the line with Shane Pinto, Drake Batherson could be primed to make another splash here against Buffalo. Currently sitting fourth on the team in points with 14 through 15 games, Batherson lining up alongside someone with the goal scoring ability that Pinto has is a scary prospect on the third line for opposing teams.
Drake has been willing to slot in wherever D.J. Smith has asked him to this season and has made an impact on every line that he's played on. Coming off a career best 44 points last season despite only playing in 46 games, Batherson is on pace for his first 75+ point season assuming he stays healthy. Look for this shake up to offer Batherson a fresh opportunity to keep adding to his scoring chances here against Buffalo.
Where to watch
Wednesday's game can be seen live on Sportsnet and TVAS. Fans can also tune into the radio call on TSN 1200 and Unique FM 94,5.
