Back from Sweden, Sens set to host Pens

OTTAWA — A visit from the Pittsburgh Penguins might be just what the Ottawa Senators need on Thursday night.

Coming off a successful twogame series against the Colorado Avalanche in Sweden, the Senators ( 8- 3- 5) are looking to avoid a posttravel hangover and a visit from the defending Stanley Cup champions might be the best remedy.

Ottawa won both games against the Avalanche, travelled home Sunday, and had two days off before returning to the ice Wednesday for practice in preparation for the 10- 7- 3 Penguins.

“Our team usually shows up in big challenges and we’ve played well against them,” said Senators head coach Guy Boucher. “This is the Stanley Cup champion of the last two years, so they’re the standard. So our players know they need to be at their very, very best and nobody knows the effect of coming back from the longest road trip you can imagine in hockey at this point and perform a few days later.

“There’s the known factors and then the unknown factors that make you a little more nervous, which I like, because then you’re on edge and you have a better chance to be at your best.”

Forward Bobby Ryan is expected to return Thursday after missing over three weeks due to a broken finger. Defenceman Mark Borowiecki will be back in the lineup after dealing with a personal health issue.

It will also be the home debut for centre Matt Duchene, acquired from Colorado just prior to leaving for Sweden.