The Ottawa Senators are set to face off against the Toronto Maple Leafs tonight at Scotiabank Arena. Here's a look at the projected lineups for both teams:
Ottawa Senators (18-13-5)
Forwards:
- Brady Tkachuk - Tim Stutzle - Fabian Zetterlund
- David Perron - Dylan Cozens - Drake Batherson
- Michael Amadio - Ridly Greig - Claude Giroux
- Xavier Bourgault - Stephen Halliday - Nick Cousins
Defense:
- Jake Sanderson - Artem Zub
- Thomas Chabot - Jordan Spence
- Nick Jensen - Nikolas Matinpalo
Goalies:
- Linus Ullmark
- Leevi Merilainen
Scratches: Olle Lycksell, Kurtis MacDermid, Dennis Gilbert Injured: Shane Pinto (lower body), Lars Eller (broken foot), Tyler Kleven (lower body)
Xavier Bourgault is expected to make his NHL debut after being called up from Belleville of the American Hockey League. Dennis Gilbert was also recalled from Belleville but is not expected to play. The Senators are currently 5th in the Atlantic Division. Travis Green is the coach and Brady Tkachuk is the captain.
Maple Leafs (16-15-5)
Forwards:
- Bobby McMann - Auston Matthews - Max Domi
- Matias Maccelli - John Tavares - William Nylander
- Dakota Joshua - Scott Laughton - Steven Lorentz
- Mathew Knies - Nicolas Roy - Nicholas Robertson
Defense:
- Morgan Rielly - Philippe Myers
- Jake McCabe - Troy Stecher
- Oliver Ekman-Larsson - Chris Tanev
Goalies:
- Joseph Woll
- Dennis Hildeby
Scratches: Easton Cowan, Calle Jarnkrok, Henry Thrun, Simon Benoit Injured: Anthony Stolarz (upper body), Brandon Carlo (lower body), Dakota Mermis (lower body)
The Maple Leafs will likely dress the same lineup that secured a 6-3 victory against the Pittsburgh Penguins. Easton Cowan will be a healthy scratch for the third consecutive game. Chris Tanev is expected to rejoin Jake McCabe on the second defensive pairing. The Maple Leafs are currently 8th in the Atlantic Division. Craig Berube is the coach and Auston Matthews is the captain.
This "Battle of Ontario" marks the return of NHL action following the holiday break. Both teams are aiming for a strong performance as they push towards the Olympic break in February. Puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET, and the game will be broadcast on CBC, TVAS, CITY, SNE, SNO, and SNP.
