Ottawa Senators News

The Senators recalled Mads Sogaard under emergency conditions on Saturday, so Shepard returns to Belleville after serving as James Reimer's backup this week. The 30-year-old netminder has gone 6-6-1 with a 3.45 GAA and .895 SV% in 13 AHL games this season.

The Senators have received steadier goaltending since acquiring Reimer, and he will return to the crease on Thursday for a third consecutive start. The 37-year-old goalie was terrific in Tuesday's 4-1 win over the Columbus Blue Jackets, saving 20 of 21 shots (.955 SV%). The Senators enter Thursday's contest as -114 road favorites against a Nashville Predators team that has been outscored 12-5 during a two-game losing streak (0-2-0).

Halliday made his NHL debut earlier this season, recording six points (0G / 6A) in 18 games, but has split time with Belleville (AHL). The 23-year-old Halliday was drafted in the fourth round of the 2022 NHL Entry Draft. He will draw into the lineup for an injured David Perron (sports hernia).

Perron is averaging only 13:26 time-on-ice, his lowest total since his rookie season in 2007-08, but he has remained productive, with 25 points (10G / 15A) in 49 games. That said,the 37-year-old veteran forward will be sidelined into March because of a sports hernia injury.

The Senators have received steadier goaltending since acquiring Reimer, and he will return to the crease on Thursday for a third consecutive start. The 37-year-old goalie was terrific in Tuesday's 4-1 win over the Columbus Blue Jackets, saving 20 of 21 shots (.955 SV%). The Senators enter Thursday's contest as -114 road favorites against a Nashville Predators team that has been outscored 12-5 during a two-game losing streak (0-2-0).

Halliday made his NHL debut earlier this season, recording six points (0G / 6A) in 18 games, but has split time with Belleville (AHL). The 23-year-old Halliday was drafted in the fourth round of the 2022 NHL Entry Draft.

With Linus Ullmark (personal) away from the team, Ottawa has needed reinforcements between the pipes in recent weeks, leading them to sign Reimer to a one-year, $850,000 contract earlier this month. The 37-year-old Reimer was awarded the contract despite struggling on his PTO in Belleville (AHL), allowing six goals on 28 shots (.786 SV%) in his only game, a 6-5 loss to Rochester. That said, the veteran goalie was serviceable in his first start on Sunday, saving 30 of 34 shots (.882 SV%) in a 4-3 overtime loss to the Detroit Red Wings. The Senators enter Tuesday's contest as -114 road favorites against a Blue Jackets team on a four-game winning streak.

James Reimer was serviceable in his Ottawa debut on Sunday, evidently giving the team enough trust in him to send Leevi Merilainen down to Belleville (AHL). As a result, Ottawa has recalled Shepard, who will likely serve as the backup to Reimer.

James Reimer was serviceable in his Ottawa debut on Sunday, evidently giving the team enough trust in him to send Merilainen down to Belleville (AHL). The 23-year-old Merilainen has had a terrible season in Ottawa, which has been even worse since Linus Ullmark (personal) has been away from the team, posting a dreadful 3.27 GAA and .843 SV% in 10 games (4-5-1).

With Linus Ullmark (personal) away from the team, Ottawa has needed reinforcements between the pipes in recent weeks, and will give Reimer his first start after signing a one-year, $850,000 contract. The 37-year-old Reimer was awarded the contract despite struggling on his PTO in Belleville (AHL), allowing six goals on 28 shots (.786 SV%) in his only game, a 6-5 loss to Rochester. Reimer appeared in 22 games with the Buffalo Sabres last season (10-8-2), posting a 2.90 GAA and .899 SV%.