The Lonely Road: Canucks & Senators

> Enter the blizzard: Cody Hodgson is lighting up Manitoba, but it’s Mario Bliznak who gets the call. Peter Schaefer (13GP, 1G, -3) will sit in favor of the plucky Czech (13GP, 1G, 3A); in two career NHL games, Bliznak has no points. The fourth line has been experimented on since Hordichuk was expelled, so maybe AV would like a better checking center to replace the injured Bolduc than either Rypien or Schaefer offers him. Far from a game-changing move, but certainly worth keeping an eye on.

> Concerns creeping back?: Montreal shut down the #1 PP, the Sedins and a 9 SOG effort from Ehrhoff. Hey, sometimes it’s just not your day. But is there reason to be concerned about the offense? It keeps coming back to the second line where Samuelsson’s offensive struggles continue and Raymond’s lingering hand injury could explain his one goal in nine games. Both players – along with their pivot Kesler – are the top three in shots; they’re just not executing as expected.

> Flip a coin: The defense remains influx with Rome getting the 6th slot over Ballard, who will sit for a second straight game. There were whispers that Alberts (who had a poor outing against the Habs) could sit in favor of Ballard but he’ll get a chance at redemption tonight. Bieksa was also rumored to sit out with the flu, but he’ll power through it. Simply put: if the defense falters again, what could the next change be? If not Ballard, it’s worth pointing out both Lee Sweatt, Kevin Connauton and Nolan Baumgartner are all tied with 6 points each for the Moose.