The Ottawa Senators adjusted their lineup at Saturday's morning skate following a recent loss, preparing for their first matchup of the season against the Carolina Hurricanes. Coach Travis Green brought back defenseman Nikolas Matinpalo and shifted penalty kill coaching duties. The game coincides with Jacques Martin's induction into the Senators' Ring of Honour.
The Ottawa Senators, coming off their third loss in four games, reshaped their lineup during Saturday's morning skate at the Canadian Tire Centre ahead of facing the Carolina Hurricanes. Forward Claude Giroux joined Tim Stützle and Drake Batherson on the first line, while Fabian Zetterlund took Giroux's usual spot on the third line. On defense, Nikolas Matinpalo paired with Tyler Kleven on the third pairing, marking his potential return since a January 8 loss to Colorado where he recorded a +1 rating. Jordan Spence moved up to pair with Thomas Chabot, replacing Nick Jensen.
Coach Travis Green explained the decision to reinstate Matinpalo, stating, “Just felt it was time to get ‘Manti’ back in,” and noted that “lots” factored into the choice. Green also announced a change in penalty kill leadership, with Mike Yeo taking over from Nolan Baumgartner, who will continue leading the defense. “He’s an excellent coach, he’s done a great job with our defencemen, and the penalty kill hasn’t gone the way we’ve wanted. And that’s not just on [Baumgartner],” Green said. “Ultimately, the players have to get the job done, but a new voice might give a spark, give a different look, give a different voice.” No wholesale strategy changes are planned.
James Reimer is set for his fourth consecutive start in net. Reimer, who played for Carolina from 2019 to 2021 with 29 wins in 45 starts, holds a 7-10-4 record against his former team, including a .925 save percentage, 2.39 goals-against average, and two shutouts. Ottawa has won its last two meetings with Carolina: a 7-5 victory on April 17 last season where Stützle, Batherson, and Dylan Cozens each tallied three points, and a 3-0 shutout by Linus Ullmark on December 13.
The Hurricanes enter with three wins in their last four games, following a shootout loss to Chicago. This contest opens a back-to-back for Ottawa, the first of three this season. Adding significance, Saturday marks Jacques Martin's Ring of Honour induction, 30 years after his first game as Senators coach on January 24, 1996. Martin leads franchise records with 748 games, 367 wins, and 31 playoff wins over 10 seasons. The Senators are undefeated at 3-0-0 on induction nights, including wins before honoring Bryan Murray in 2017, Wade Redden in 2022, and Dr. Don Chow in 2024.
The game will air on Sportsnet ONE and CityTV, with radio coverage on TSN 1200 (English) and 104.7 Outaouais (French).
