Senators vs. Canucks: Steve On Sens Preview

  Alright so we're finally out of the woods! The Senators overcame adversity against the high scoring Washington Capitals on Wednesday night. Like many, I was calling for MacLean to release The Lehner after Craig Anderson's shaky first period performance where he allowed 3 goals. Anderson rebounded in the 2nd and 3rd to deliver a solid performance in backstopping the Sens to a 6-4 victory. The Senators enter tonight's matchup against the Canucks with new attitudes, new jerseys, and a new face...whoops! Forgot the Sens haven't acquired Del Zotto yet! The Senators are hoping to continue their impressive record against Western Conference opponents (1-7-2) as they #FEARLESSly battle the Canucks. The game tonight also marks the first game in a while where I can't make any Joe Corvo jokes. Tonight's game is also a preview of the 2014 Heritage Classic between the Senators and Canucks at BC Place in Vancouver. Today, Senators Captain Jason Spezza, along with Canucks Captain Henrik Sedin unveiled the Senators jersey for the Heritage Classic which was reported Here yesterday. 

  Tonight's starting goalies are presented by Rogers because they now also have compete control of this blog. My ridiculous stream of revenue is now gone. 

Back in the good old days

Starting Goaltenders

Ottawa: Craig Anderson (6-7-2, 3.36 GAA, .899 SV%)
Carolina: Roberto Luongo (10-7-5, 2.33 GAA, .912 SV%)

Craig Anderson is in a situation no Senators goalie this year has wanted to be in. Anderson is starting in the 2nd half of a back to back. This year, the Sens are 0-3-1 playing the night after a game. Anderson is pretty much expected to let in 5+ goals on 5+ shots but Anderson is facing the challenge head on. Senators back up or starter if he feels like it Robin Lehner has this to say "I'll take the rest. Performing heart surgery while cage fighting a bear sometimes makes me tired". 

After last season's disappointing sweep to the Sharks in the first round, I believed that the Canucks would follow the path of the 2007/08 Senators (also got swept). In the summer, the Canucks dealt Goaltender Cory Schneider to the Devils which made Roberto Luongo the undisputed #1 goaltender. So far, it looks like Craig Hartsburg isn't coach and Ryan Shannon isn't on their roster so they're safe from the fate of the 2008/09 Senators. Luongo has decent stats but the Canucks have struggled this month (3-4-4). 

Keys To The Game

Ottawa

• Greening for Del Zotto. Straight up. No trade backs.
• Avoid the 2-0 deficit after the first period. Aim for 3-0 or something cooler.
• Gryba and Corvo on the Powerplay

Vancouver 

• Don't lead after the first. It doesn't work.
• Play to win (heard it once on Sportsnet. It sounded cool.)
• Force the offsides

Steve's Picks

• Final score of 3-2 for Ottawa
• 27 people (including myself) still wanting Lehner to start
• Denis Potvin will be extra cheerful and might wear a Santa hat
• Dean Brown will say something nice about the new jerseys that will revolve around the "community" and "heritage" and Potvin will toss in a few "oos" and "aahhhs"

First game that I'll be watching in a while that isn't French or a poor stream so I'm pretty excited! The game is in French. I'll be listening to this wonderful man.

Thanks for reading!