The set-up
The Senators kick off the regular season in Buffalo where both teams are looking to get off to a strong start to the season. Just two points separated these two at the end of last season and both sides are looking to make a leap in the standings in a tough Atlantic Division.
After a busy offseason the Senators are looking to make that next step with additions Claude Giroux and Alex DeBrincat set to make their Ottawa Senators debuts tonight. The two have built chemistry early combining for five goals and twelve points, often assisting each other in their five preseason games together.
Roster notes
The Senators will be without offseason acquisition goaltender Cam Talbot as he continues to recover from an upper body injury sustained during the preseason.
Here is how the Senators lined up during yesterday's practice:
Forwards:
Tkachuk - Stützle - Batherson
DeBrincat - Norris - Giroux
Motte - Pinto - Joseph
Kelly - Kastelic - Watson
Brassard - Gambrell
Defense:
Chabot - Zub
Sanderson - Hamonic
Brannstrom - Holden
Zaitsev
Previous history
Thursday marks the 149th meeting between the Senators and the Sabres with the Sabres leading the all-time series 71-67 with 10 ties coming before the 2005-06 season.
Since the start of the 2017-18 NHL season the Senators have controlled the series winning nine of the fourteen head-to-heads including taking two of three last season.
Who to watch
Defenseman Jake Sanderson will make his play his NHL regular season debut tonight in Buffalo.
The UND product, known for his offensive capabilities, tallied 10 goals and 41 points across his 45 games played in the college ranks. Sanderson comes into tonight having played in five of the Senators eight preseason games.
Where to watch
Thursday's game can be seen live on TSN5 and RDS at 7 p.m. Fans can also tune into the radio call on TSN 1200 and Unique FM 94,5
