Battle of the Basement!

Sound like the headline for a Leafs vs. Canucks game in the NHL? Well, sorry to disappoint you but even tonight's basement dwellers duel between Ottawa and Buffalo couldn't be as bad as a Leafs vs. Canucks game this year. However, it is expected to be pretty dull.

Both teams are semi-youthful and are patiently awaiting the development of their future stars while their veterans struggle to mentor and produce without much support.

The Ottawa Senators are unbeaten in their last 2 games having beaten the Flyers 5-4 and tieing the Panthers 3-3 last game. Most of their recent success has to be attributed to goaltender Roman Turek who has been heavily criticised lately for his shotty play and underachieving. In his last four games he has stopped more than 30 shots and has performed like a starting goalie should.

However, the defense has not! Although expectations were high for this Defensive core that looks strong on paper, they are still very young with the main 3 guys being under 24 years old! The rumour mill has been flowing with offers being placed on young Holmqvist and forwards like Ryder and Morrison...all of which could be on the move!

So look for a barn burner tonight in Ottawa as the Sens suit up against the Sabres for what should turn out to be more like a minor atom AA game then an actual professional hockey bout.