Morning skate update: Auld ready to roll against Bruins
With No. 1 goaltender Craig Anderson felled by a frozen chicken, Alex Auld will get first crack at locking down the starting job when the Ottawa Senators face off against the Boston Bruins at Scotiabank Place Saturday night.
With No. 1 goaltender Craig Anderson felled by a frozen chicken, Alex Auld will get first crack at locking down the starting job when the Ottawa Senators face off against the Boston Bruins at Scotiabank Place Saturday night.
If the Senators manage to get off to a quick start, which they’ve been making a habit of lately, his job will be a little easier.
“I think we’ve really recommitted to our starts, we’ve talked about it before games, we’ve really focused on it, we know it goes a long way in a game and, especially as you get later in the season, I mean the start is so important,” Auld told reporters after the morning skate.
He’ll need to be sharp early as well.
The Bruins won’t be in the best of moods after dropping a 2-1 decision to the Buffalo Sabres Friday night, and Ottawa-killer Tim Thomas — he of the 2.21 goals-against average and .929 save percentage — is expected to get the call in goal for Boston.
Thomas has won all three of his starts against the Senators this season, including the last match-up in Ottawa on Dec. 14.
If the Senators are to have a hope in this one, Auld will need to play above his own numbers: 3.28 and .883.
The Senators will make one lineup change, adding some size in defenceman Matt Carkner. Brian Lee will join Zenon Konopka in the press box as a healthy scratch.
I love Matt Carkner, but I have been really impressed with how Brian has been playing and his speed really adds to Sen’s break-outs. Hard to question Mr. MacLean’s decisions this year, though, so heavy on the body, Carks! And, CARPE DIEM, Alex!
Go Sens Go!
I would have left Lee in… yes you need size against the Bruins… but Lee is better defensively.
Why do the Sens always get Thomas…
Even getting a point tonight would be a big benefit…
Sens still have their problems with the elite teams…. They played a good game last time in Boston.. but Anderson was stellar.
Auld has to be good tonight. He was good against Nashville… he has to repeat that performance for the Sens to have a chance.
“Sens have had their problems against elite teams”…I’d have to disagree with this statement. In fact, other then Boston they have played very well and consistent against elite teams such as the Rangers and San Jose. I see this being a closely fought battle with Ottawa pressing in the third having more legs then Boston after their game last night. 3-2 Ottawa final.