The Senators have become a good backup plan for opposing teams.
Rather than go with star goalie Pekka Rinne Saturday night, Nashville coach Peter Laviolette gave backup Carter Hutton his first start of the season. Not only was it the third time in their first six games the Senators drew a No. 2 'tender, but a quick count shows that last season, they faced backups a grand total of 33 times.
Asked after the morning skate if using Hutton against Ottawa was a plan or a "feel," Laviolette explained his rational.
"This one probably a little bit planned," he said.