What Happened
Ottawa Senators head coach Travis Green told reporters that Jonas Johansson will start Saturday's game against the New York Rangers, the goaltender's first start since the team acquired him in September. Johansson was recalled from AHL Belleville on Thursday after an injury to Linus Ullmark. Green also said Andre Burakovsky will replace Hayden Hodgson in the lineup, and captain Thomas Chabot, out two games with an upper-body injury, is expected to rejoin the team during its upcoming five-game road trip.
Key Details
- Johansson, 31, was recalled from AHL Belleville on Thursday after Linus Ullmark's injury.
- Johansson posted a 3.29 GAA, .884 save percentage and 11 wins in 25 games last season.
- Burakovsky last played Oct. 17 and has averaged 12:49 of ice time in five games this season.
- Chabot, named captain before the season, has one goal and three assists in nine games.
- Chabot has missed the last two games with an upper-body injury.
What It Means
Ottawa turns to Johansson with Ullmark unavailable, giving the September acquisition his first action in a Senators uniform. Burakovsky's return adds a forward option after a short absence, while Chabot's expected return on the road trip would restore the captain to a defense corps that has played without him for two games.
What's Next
The Senators face the Rangers on Saturday, then begin a five-game road trip during which Chabot is expected to return to the lineup.