Game 44 Preview: Leafs @ Sens

The Sens’ return to action after the bye week against the St. Louis Blues on Thursday didn’t exactly go as planned. They’ll need to be a lot better tonight if they want to avoid embarrassment against the division rivals Toronto Maple Leafs.

Nate Thompson sustained an injury in the first period of Thursday’s affair that will keep him out of tonight’s line-up. Colin White has been recalled from Belleville to fill in on Guy Boucher’s checking line. Otherwise, there are no changes expected to the lineup.

Tonight’s projected alignment:

• Things may be dire in Ottawa, but the Leafs have been going through some drama of their own of late. After their loss against the Philadelphia Flyers on Thursday, Leafs goalie Frederik Anderson had some withering criticism for his teammates.
• In his return to the line-up on Thursday, Borowiecki delivered a few bone rattling hits, blocked a couple of shots and even got in a fight. If nothing else, you always know what you’re getting from him when he steps on the ice.
• Craig Anderson looked a bit shaky on  a couple of the Blues’ goals on Thursday, but with Mike Condon posting a hideous .894 SV% it’s not like there is a great alternative available
• As is typical of these encounters I expect a lot of Leafs fans in attendance. My personal plea to anyone that reads this that’s going to the game: please don’t start any fights.  /

Team stats, via NHL.com and NaturalStatTrick.com:

Team Stats

Player Stats