No lineup change for Sens as Battle of Ontario heats up

 

 
 
 

Despite a subpar effort in Friday's 2-1 overtime loss to the New York Islanders, the Ottawa Senators will dress exactly the same lineup as the Battle of Ontario heats up again Saturday night.

That means goaltender Craig Anderson will make his 17th consecutive start for the Senators. Jason Spezza, who, according to coach Paul MacLean is battling with the flu/food poisoning, will also be in the lineup. Jim O'Brien, recalled from Binghamton of the American Hockey League before Friday's game, will also play, keeping Bobby Butler on the sidelines.

It's as pivotal a game can be at this point in the season. It's a so-called four-point game between divisional and Conference rivals, with plenty of history. The Senators are sixth in the Eastern Conference, three points up on the Maple Leafs, but Toronto has played three fewer games.

"I think it's great to see, we would like to see all Canadian teams in the playoffs, there's no question," said Senators captain Daniel Alfredsson. "Both teams are probably happy where they are now, but we know there's a lot of work to be done. It's going to be a fierce race all the way to the finish."

James Reimer, fresh from a 1-0 shutout of the Pittsburgh Penguins on Wednesday, will start in goal for the Maple Leafs.

 
 
 
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5/21/2012 5:10:59 PM
 
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