Game 49 Hub: Ottawa Senators vs Columbus Blue Jackets

We're currently in the midst of a fairly tame Ontario winter, which is why I'm a tad confused by the excessive Leaf blowing that took place over the weekend.

From former NHLers.

From the head coach.

On Sportsnet!

Hopefully, this winning streak will remain unharmed, unlike Morgan Rielly's feelings.

Anyway, Columbus! They're an awful hockey team, sitting in the league's basement, but then again, so are the Ottawa Senators, at least when you look at their season as a whole.

7-2-2 in the last 11 games, and only 2 points ahead of the 16-25-10 Blue Jackets. It's a testament to the overwhelming depth of the crater they swan dove into back in December.

Therefore, despite the weaker competition, the Sens have no business taking any opponent lightly from here on out. At least until folks can't prove they suck simply by typing nhl.com/standings into a web browser.

Zack MacEwen was placed on waivers yesterday, and whether or not he clears, the move clears the necessary space for Anton Forsberg to return to the lineup. He's expected to make his first start since suffering a groin injury on January 11th against the Buffalo Sabres.

Artem Zub will be a game-time decision tonight. If he's unable to play, the Senators will be forced to play 12+5 tonight because of a lack of cap space. Fun fact, had the Senators simply waited a year before buying out Bobby Ryan, they would not be in this situation. Sigh.

Here are the projected lines:

Game Notes:

• Going strong on this 7-2-2 run are a lot of players, however one in particular who has turned things around from last season is Parker Kelly. After tallying just 4 points in 55 games last season (why he played so many after obviously struggling badly, especially with tons of young depth players available for a call-up is anyone's guess), he has 5 points in the last 11 games with 12 in 48 overall. Not bad for a player whose cap hit is below the league minimum.
• Rolling three solid forward lines makes it much easier to consistently win games, and with Shane Pinto back in the lineup, it's finally happening. He excelled last season in the games in which he skated on the third line, and this year he's got 3 goals and 4 assists in 7 games.
• Every Jackets fan was in pure elation when superstar forward Johnny Gaudreau signed a 7-year deal with Columbus in the 2022 offseason, and while the lack of quality teammates didn't hinder him too much in his first season with his new club, this year appears to tell a different story, as he has just 34 points in 51 games.
• I am asking for the 65th time, where is Maxence Guenette?
• Game time is set for 7:00 pm EST and is available on RDS2, TSN5, and TSN 1200.

Stats: