Game 8 preview: Arizona Coyotes @ Ottawa Senators

After a shocking collapse to the New Jersey Devils, the Ottawa Senators will look to end a three-game losing streak when they host the Arizona Coyotes tonight. Ottawa led by two goals with less than six minutes left in the game, and had a power play with five minutes left but still managed to lose the game. It was simply inexcusable. The Coyotes are also coming in with a losing streak, having lost four in a row after winning their first three games of the season.

On the injury front, the Senators will be without Mike Hoffman after he suffered an injury late in the game against New Jersey. Hoffman has likely been the team's best player so far this season, so this will be a huge loss. Clarke MacArthur remains out with a concussion. Marc Methot will return and some how Mark Borowiecki will keep his place in the lineup despite a horror show against the Devils, so Chris Wideman will be the healthy scratch. Max McCormick will make his NHL debut.

Here are the lines from Gord Wilson:

Lazar - Turris - Stone
Michalek - Zibanejad - Ryan
McCormick - Pageau - Chiasson
Prince - Smith - Neil

Methot - Karlsson
Wiercioch - Ceci
Cowen - Borowiecki

Anderson (starter)
Hammond

Some notes for tonight:

• While Borowiecki was awful on the 4-3 and 4-4 goals, Andrew Hammond had a rough game as well. It will be nice to have Craig Anderson back.
• I don't know where that Chris Neil performance came from but that was probably the first time that he has been useful in a year or so.
• Curtis Lazar hasn't shown a whole lot of offensive skill this season, but he is on the top line now. I suppose with MacArthur and Hoffman injured, there are not a lot of options on left wing.
• For those that care about the standings, the Senators are currently third in the division. They are still looking for their first home win of the season though.
• Hoffman is tied for the team lead in goals and points, and leads outright in shots on goals. He will definitely be a huge loss.
• Not only did Chris Neil score but so did Zack Smith. Neither player had even a point since November 2014. And Ottawa still lost. Ugh! Did I mention I was frustrated about that loss?
• Even Erik Karlsson's game leaves one wanting more so far. There really haven't been a whole lot of bright spots so far aside from the top line.
• McCormick has 21 points in 66 career AHL games./

Here are some stats for the two teams tonight. All stats are from NHL.com except Corsi and Fenwick are from www.puckon.net. Note that Corsi is now adjusted for score as well as the venue and event type.