The big news out of Senatorsland yesterday was that for the second time in a couple of months, goaltender Craig Anderson has left the team for personal reasons. The has been no public statement made as to the reason why Anderson has left, but I am sure everyone joins me in wishing for a positive resolution to whatever the issues are and a quick return to action. There is no timetable for Anderson's return, meaning for the time being the Senators' net belongs to Andrew Hammond.

Chris Driedger was called up as the backup, but Hammond will make his second start of the season in Calgary Friday night. Hammond has played just 1 game this season, a 5-1 loss in Detroit to the Red Wings. It was one of the poorest game the Senators have played as a club, and Hammond didn't get much support. He will be hoping for a more even effort in front of him in Cowtown.

I wouldn't expect any lineup changes for the Senators, as they are coming off of their most well-rounded performance of the season in Vancouver. Bobby Ryan did leave practice early after being hit by a shot in a power play drill, but Guy Boucher expected him to be ok in his post-practice media availability.

The Flames come into this one on a 2 game winning streak, seemingly turning a corner after dropping 5 of their first 6 games. Those two wins came on a mini road trip through Chicago and St. Louis, but their home record of 1-3 leaves something to be desired.

The Senators and Flames would both like this one to be settled at 5 on 5, as both clubs have struggled mightily on special teams. The Senators power play has struck just one time in 15 chances and sits at a lowly 6.7% (dead last in the NHL) while the Flames have four power play goals but have had 33 chances, and their 12.1% ranks them 26th. On the flipside, both of their respective penalty kills are in the bottom third of the league, and both below 80%.

While Anderson won't be in the crease, the man that the Senators dealt for him should be between the pipes for the home side. Brian Elliott is on his third team since departing from Ottawa, having spend time in Colorado and St. Louis before moving to Calgary in the off-season. After a horrendous start where he allowed 14 goals in his first three games, Elliott has mirrored (or caused) the Flames resurgence with a couple of very solid outings.

I haven't watched the Flames much so far this season, but according to dailyfaceoff.com, former Senator Alex Chiasson has failed upwards and is skating on the Flames' top line with Sean Monahan and Johnny Gaudreau. Troy Brouwer leads the club with six points, followed by Gaudreau, Sam Bennett and captain Mark Giordano with five points each.

Erik Karlsson hasn't had a point in two games after picking up seven in his first four contests, so he will be looking to produce, and Mike Hoffman is still looking for his first goal of the season and all 3 of his assists came in the Arizona game. In fact, the Senators need more from all of their top end players, because Ryan Dzingel and Tom Pyatt can only carry you for so long.

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