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TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING at OTTAWA SENATORS

Thursday, 7:30 p.m., Canadian Tire Centre

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TV: TSN5, TVA. Radio: TSN 1200 AM, 94,5, Unique FM

THE BIG MATCHUP

Thomas Chabot vs. Mikhail Sergachev

Sergachev got the earlier start on an NHL career and has scored eight goals and 23 assists in 58 games, but both him and Chabot figure to be dominating defenceman in the NHL for years upon years. Chabot had five goals and 10 assists in 39 games before Ottawa’s game Wednesday against Chicago.

FIVE KEYS TO THE GAME

Travel Legs

The Senators were expected to arrive back to Ottawa in the wee hours following their game Wednesday night in Chicago, while the Lightning was in Ottawa waiting for them.

Intensity

Playing on back-to-back nights is tough enough, but the Senators are also facing a Lightning team fighting with Boston for top spot in the overall NHL standings.

Ryan’s Return?

Judging by head coach Guy Boucher’s comments Wednesday, forward Bobby Ryan could return to the lineup after missing 10 games because of a hand injury. But Ryan’s name has also popped up in trade talks, associated with Erik Karlsson.