Can the Winnipeg Jets continue their successes in the province of Ontario after last night's thrilling (to some) 5-4 shootout victory over the Toronto Maple Leafs? Today we find out as they pay a visit to the Ottawa Senators in a mid-afternoon Eastern Conference match-up.
As part of our gameday coverage, we had a few questions relating to the Senators before puck-drop later today.
With that, here are our pal Peter Raaymakers from Silver Seven in today's instalment of Gameday Questionnaire:
1. How are the Senators succeeding with a line-up vastly littered with AHL players?
There really aren't that many AHLers up front, but the impressive part has been the ability of AHLers on the blue line (Eric Gryba, Patrick Wiercioch, and Andre Benoit) to play decent hockey with significant minutes. A big reason why it's working is Paul MacLean's system, which calls for a lot of support from the forwards in the defensive end, and the good play of the Sens' goaltenders, who can cover up a lot of mistakes
2. Could Craig Anderson's injury actually be a good opportunity for Bryan Murray to shop Ben Bishop on the trade market?
It could be, as long as Bishop plays good hockey. He's been a little up-and-down this season, more ups than downs, but it will still take a lot of good play to get a good return for the Sens in a depressed goalie trade market.
3. Where do you see Mika Zibanejad's career five years from now?
Geez, that's a tough question. I think the best-case scenario is him on Spezza's left wing in the role Milan Michalek's currently filling; namely, as a finisher who'll go to the dirtier areas of the ice. I think Zibanejad's got the size and skill set to take Michalek's place eventually, and he's looked good in fairly sheltered minutes this season.
Ed. Note: We thank Peter for his time in this edition of Gameday Questionnaire. Look for our next edition Tuesday with our pals at Stanley Cup of Chowder.
