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Senators remain preseason perfect with 5-1 win over Habs

September 24, 2017, 9:30 AM ET [24 Comments]
Jared Crozier
Ottawa Senators Blogger • RSSArchiveCONTACT
Colin White's pain appears to be Logan Brown's gain. White's broken wrist suffered in the first game of the preseason has opened up the competition for roster spots a little wider, and Brown has stepped up and taken advantage of the opportunity.

Brown scored twice and added and assist in leading the Senators to a 5-1 victory over the Montreal Canadiens. He also saw action with both the top power play unit and also saw penalty kill duty as Guy Boucher tries to figure out what the opening night lineup might look like.

Whether Brown stays around for a 9 game audition will largely depend on how soon Derick Brassard returns to the lineup, as I don't think they would keep him around in a 4th line role but could give him a shot in the top 6 if Brassard isn't ready to go opening night.

Max Reinhart, who is in the mix for that bottom 6 spot that might be open, scored for the second straight game, with Mark Stone and Johnny Oduya adding the other goals. Charles Hudon (who should be a Vegas Golden Knight if the expansion franchise had drafted properly) was the lone Hab to beat Craig Anderson, who played well in his first full game of the fall.

It certainly wasn't the Canadiens' top lineup, with most of their name players sitting at home in Montreal, but for the Senators it was another win and you can only play the players in front of you.

Ottawa has gotten solid performances from their role players, and that bodes well for the depth of the team and the ability to withstand most injuries. They might not have as much elite level talent as some other teams, but they are deeper than they have been in some time.

The quest to fill the roster heads out on the road for the rest of the preseason, as they are off to Summerside today to take part in the Kraft Hockeyville game against the Devils Monday, before heading to Winnipeg Wednesday and Montreal on Saturday.

The big question will be, after skating on Saturday morning for the first time, how will Erik Karlsson's ankle react and will he be able to return sooner than the early November target date that was suggested before camp opened.
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