As you might expect, Dany Heatley is the player to keep an eye on tonight for the San Jose Sharks. Not because he's been great for the Sharks thus far this season, but because of his history with the Ottawa Senators. Heatley demanded a trade two seasons ago after being very productive there, and this will be his first trip back to Ottawa to play against his old team. He'll be playing in Ottawa for the first time in a Sharks uniform, the first time since the trade.
You can go ahead and write off the possibility of Heatley being cheered to any extent, the way he demanded the trade and the like has brought upon many bad feelings for the Senators fans. Heatley had two assists in last season's 5-2 victory over the Senators at HP Pavilion in San Jose, and the Sharks will be hoping he can put a couple goals up this time around.
The Sharks haven't lost to the Senators since 2003, and haven't lost in Ottawa since 2002.
After a loss to the Detroit Red Wings, San Jose's lines will remain unchanged. Antero Niittymaki will be in goal after making 24 saves in the losing effort over Antti Niemi. Kent Huskins, Jason Demers and Niclas Wallin remain out , though the latter two have made the road trip and figure to be back in action near the end of the road trip. San Jose's defense is stretched thin, they're playing guys who have high upside like Derek Joslin and Justin Braun but are otherwise not ready for the extended minutes at the top they're getting.
Ottawa was dealt a 4-1 loss by Edmonton on Monday, falling to 1-1-0 on a four- game homestand and 7-6-0 as the host club overall. Nick Foligno had the lone goal and Brian Elliott made 21 saves.