As the Ottawa Senators prepare to host the Carolina Hurricanes on Saturday night, they’re making a couple of lineup adjustments that could have a ripple effect across the roster - and maybe even the weekend.
Head coach Travis Green confirmed after the morning skate that defenseman Nikolas Matinpalo will draw into the lineup, replacing Nick Jensen on the blue line. It’ll be just the second NHL game for Matinpalo since November 29, and his first since that rough 8-2 loss in Colorado earlier this month. It’s a big opportunity for the 25-year-old Finnish blueliner to show he can hold his own in a fast-paced matchup against one of the league’s most structured teams.
Between the pipes, James Reimer gets the start in the first half of Ottawa’s back-to-back. With the Vegas Golden Knights coming to town on Sunday, it makes sense to split the workload, and Reimer will have the task of keeping Carolina’s aggressive forecheck at bay. Reimer's veteran presence could be key here - the Hurricanes like to press hard and force mistakes, so a calm, composed performance in goal is exactly what the Senators will need.
Up front, Stephen Halliday remains in the lineup as he continues to fill in for the injured David Perron, who’s expected to miss 5-7 weeks following sports hernia surgery. Halliday is coming off a milestone moment - he netted his first NHL goal Thursday night in Nashville. The 21-year-old forward has brought energy and some sneaky offensive instincts to the fourth line, and this stretch of games could be a real audition for a more permanent role.
Here’s how the Sens are expected to line up against Carolina:
Forward Lines:
- Batherson - Stützle - Giroux
- Tkachuk - Cozens - Greig
- Amadio - Pinto - Zetterlund
- Halliday - Eller - Cousins
Defensive Pairings:
- Sanderson - Zub
- Chabot - Spence
- Kleven - Matinpalo
Goaltenders:
- Starter: James Reimer
- Backup: Hunter Shepard
The Senators are still working to find consistency, and this weekend’s back-to-back presents a good measuring stick. Carolina brings a relentless pace and Vegas won’t be any easier on Sunday. But with some fresh legs on the blue line and a goaltender who’s seen just about everything, Ottawa has a chance to set the tone early - and maybe spark something bigger heading into the second half of the season.