Marc Denis will get his first start of the season tonight. With Johan Holmqvist having started the first six games and tonight the front-half of a back-to-back, it?s a good spot for Denis to play. In speaking with John Tortorella, he said Denis has been practicing well but that it?s only the games that matter, and he?s right. Stop the puck in games and you earn the confidence from not only the coaching staff but teammates as well. Tortorella said he never questions the work ethic of either goaltender yet practice is just that.
Also, Doug Janik will be the 6th defenseman tonight in favor of Matt Smaby. With Dan Boyle getting close to returning (not tonight, but maybe by the weekend) a decision has to be made in regards to cutting down a defenseman. My guess is Smaby gets reassigned to Norfolk when Boyle is ready. Smaby still has some adjusting to do to get used to the speed of the game at this level plus he?ll get to play plenty of minutes in Norfolk.
Line combinations will be the same tonight as Saturday?s game so don?t look for any changes there to start the game.
Also, Doug Janik will be the 6th defenseman tonight in favor of Matt Smaby. With Dan Boyle getting close to returning (not tonight, but maybe by the weekend) a decision has to be made in regards to cutting down a defenseman. My guess is Smaby gets reassigned to Norfolk when Boyle is ready. Smaby still has some adjusting to do to get used to the speed of the game at this level plus he?ll get to play plenty of minutes in Norfolk.
Line combinations will be the same tonight as Saturday?s game so don?t look for any changes there to start the game.
