The Ottawa Senators lineup for tonight is seeing some shuffling around. Injuries play a role, but also, accommodating players deserving of call-ups and fitting the right position. One thing is for sure, having Josh Norris’ salary to use the LTIR cap relief has been very beneficial. The team has not needed to play short-handed, and players that need to be called up, are not rushed or done so on an emergency basis.
Boko's #Sens debut, Fan Appreciation Night, and more in today's Game Day 🖐️
— Ottawa Senators (@Senators) April 6, 2024
The Ottawa Senators Lineup Updates
Who’s In
Thomas Chabot is back. Chabot has missed the club’s last four games but is back ready to go. Furthermore, he has missed other time this year, as he’s only managed 44 games thus far. Having him back in the lineup really stabilizes the club’s defensive posture. He is able to slot in the left or right side, and usually as a top-four, if not the top pairing. Also, he is generally regarded as the club’s best power play quarterback. So, having him back just makes it easier on everyone. He’s been the club’s benchmark for ice time for some time now. And his 23:31 of average ice time this year is no exception.
Making his Ottawa Senators debut tonight will be Bokondji Imama. He has played previously in the NHL, accumulating nine career games as a member of the Arizona Coyotes. ‘Boko’ comes in tonight deserving of his role with the team. Currently, in Belleville with the AHL affiliate, he leads their team in penalties at 115 PIMs. Look for him to assert himself tonight with hits and possibly fights too.
Who’s Out As Per Ottawa Senators Lineup Updates for Tonight’s Game
The big news on the day is Tim Stutzle draws out, which allows Imama to get the call. Stutzle took a hard hit from Florida’s Niko Mikkola and it appeared to be the shoulder. Moreover, Stutzle is listed as day-to-day for the time being. For Stutzle, this adds to frustrations from the season. Besides the team underperforming, Stutzle is going to fall short of last year’s career-high 90-point season. So far through 75 games, he has 18 goals and 52 assists for 70 points. As a note, his 70 points are four up for the team lead on Brady Tkachuk.
Finally, with Chabot coming back, a defenceman had to go. That D-man was the one playing the least, Tyler Kleven. Kleven needs ice time. When he is out there skating with the puck, you see what makes him a dynamic and effective force out there. However, given the lack of opportunity to this point, he does get caught standing around too often. The Sens need to commit to their prospects in the future, and if they’re in the NHL, they need a minimum of 18 minutes a night (if they’re defenceman). In 17 career games, Kleven averages just 13:37 of ice time with the big club.
Tonight’s Game Will be a Good One
When Imama is in the lineup, look out for some fireworks. Tonight’s tilt against the fellow non-playoff, and perhaps equally disappointing, New Jersey Devils. In fact the Devils are just one spot ahead of the Senators in the Eastern Conference standings. The Devils easily had a 2023 NHL Stanley Cup Playoff position, but this year no such luck. Look for both teams to play with something to prove tonight. And that is, who is more deserving of a 2025 playoff spot.
Main photo: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
