The Ottawa Senators will close out a see-saw November playing host to a familiar foe - the Buffalo Sabres. This is the third time this month they will face their divisional for, and most likely the third time they will face former teammate Robin Lehner.

Both of the matchups between these teams have been very tight, with each team coming away with a 2-1 victory in the other team's barn. Ottawa's win in Buffalo came in the shootout.

Lehner was the story in the Nov 5th game, as the undermanned Sabres came back with two goals in the third to erase a 1-0 deficit and skate away with the win. Mike Condon was the winner in the Nov 9th rematch, making 31 saves and two more in the shootout.

All eyes will be on Jack Eichel, as the phenom is expected to make his first appearance of the season following a broken leg (edit: actually a high ankle sprain for him, brain cramp for me) in practice on the eve of the opener. Whether or not the #2 overall pick behind Connor McDavid two summers ago will be in full flight remains to be seen as that is a tough injury to recover from quickly and he has only participated in full practice a handful of times. However, the Sabres will be better with him in the lineup and it should provide a boost to his teammates as well to see him back in the lineup.

The Senators are coming in off a 2-0 win over the Rangers, while the Sabres lost 3-1 to the Capitals in their last outing.

Craig Anderson will start tonight following his shutout of the high-powered Rangers, but it could be his last one for a while as he is scheduled to go be with his wife Nicholle "soon". Andrew Hammond, fresh off two losses in his Binghamton stint, was recalled in anticipation of Anderson's departure but he won't leave before tonight's game. Hammond lost both games, allowing five goals but only received 2 goals of support in the two games. He lost 1-0 and 4-2 for the last place and offensively challenged farm team.

Anderson has been the rock as well as the rallying point for the Senators this month, and as they approach a tough road trip next week it will fall on the shoulders of Mike Condon (and Hammond when he gets the opportunity) to at least provide the Senators with a chance to win on most nights.

Anderson was named the NHL's first star of the week for the second time this month on Monday, and in all likelihood will be names the first star of November when it gets announced later this week. Anderson has helped his team build up a cushion despite playing through off-ice factors, and it will be on his teammates to make sure they don't give that cushion away in his absence.

But, they have him for at least one more start and if it is his last one for a while, he can exit with a flourish by shutting down the Sabres tonight.

Join the Discussion: » 19 Comments » Post New Comment

» Goodbye, and good luck!

» Can Colin White fill the #2C role as early as next year?

» Boucher staying put, at least for now

» Boucher Day

» Sens fall to #4 in draft lottery