Ottawa Senators: What to Expect Against the Toronto Maple Leafs on HNIC

The Ottawa Senators begin their 2011-2012 campaign on a tough two-game road trip that begins Friday against the Detroit Red Wings. They will then fly to Toronto for a nationally-televised game against the Toronto Maple Leafs for the first Hockey Night in Canada Saturday night game of the season.

This game on Saturday versus the hated Toronto Maple Leafs will be energy-packed in Toronto and should be a good barometer of what to expect in the Northeast Division.

What should the Senators expect from this Saturday night affair?

First, the Senators will be tired as they open their season against one of the top teams in the league and then play again the following night in Toronto. Moreover, the Leafs open their season against the Canadiens tonight, so they will have a day to rest at home as they begin their season with two home games against Canadian teams.

The kicker for the Senators is that the Leafs play these two games and then are off for a whole week.

You could also look at this game against the Leafs as their last game before their "bye" week. That being said, teams always prepare admirably and perform well the week before the bye in the NFL as they want to have a positive sentiment around the locker room for the week off.

The Senators better be ready for quite the test, come Saturday.

If the Senators have any hope of winning this road game, they must be ready to withstand the Leaf crowd and focus on ameliorating the skills and team-first attitude that Paul MacLean has instilled.

The Senators lost both preseason games to the Leafs but won both against the defending Stanley Cup champions. Giving up nine goals to the Leafs in two games won’t get it done.

The Senators need to come out with energy, not let up an early goal and take the crowd out of the game early.

If they play defensively, move the puck and play the body, they could have a chance come the third period.