Senators’ Artem Zub Returns to Lineup After Lacking 9 Video games – The Hockey Writers – Ottawa Senators

The Ottawa Senators have introduced the defenseman Artem Zub will likely be returning to the lineup for his or her recreation towards the New York Islanders on Nov. 7.

Zub has missed the earlier 9 video games with a concussion after taking a giant hit from LA Kings ahead Tanner Jeannot 24 days in the past. Because the harm, the Senators have performed pretty effectively, however actually missed his defensive presence on the highest pair alongside Jake Sanderson.

In his absence, the Senators have had Travis Hamonic taking part in within the prime pair function, and whereas Hamonic could be a strong depth choice, he’s far previous his prime and isn’t suited to a job within the prime 4 anymore. Sanderson has needed to carry a giant portion of the workload for that duo, which has resulted in a big slowing of his offensive tempo, and he’s being put in unlucky conditions extra usually, making his defensive metrics seemingly worse than he has been.

Popping out of the lineup will likely be Jacob Bernard-Docker, and whereas like Hamonic, Bernard-Docker isn’t a bonafide top-four defenseman, he has been a gradual presence for the membership, and there may be actually an argument for him to stay within the lineup over Hamonic.

Whereas Zub was absent, the Senators had a file of 4-5-0, and in a few of their losses, there was a very good argument for them being the higher crew and simply unable to shut out the sport. Zub’s reliability will definitely assist the crew, and whereas it could take longer than only one recreation towards the Islanders to get again in control, he’s a direct improve on the Senators’ blue line.

Shane Pinto remains to be out of the lineup as effectively, however has been skating with the crew. He’ll possible return to the lineup quickly, however for now, the depth scoring has been ok that Pinto’s absence hasn’t been detrimental to the crew in the identical manner Zub’s was.