The Senators This Week

WEDNESDAY AT DETROIT:

Will the students become the teacher, or does the old master still have some lessons to impart? Yes, it’s finally here: The Ottawa Senators vs. Daniel Alfredsson. The kids vs. the (erstwhile) captain. This game would be intriguing even without that significant subplot. The Wings play an uptempo, puck-possession style, one the Senators’ own game is derived from (Paul MacLean was an assistant in the Motor City for six years, after all). They are also division rivals now, and both squads are expected to challenge for the Atlantic crown. Detroit is currently leading the way with a 6-3-0 record, but the loss of defenceman Niklas Kronwall, who was stretchered off the ice last week after getting hit from behind in Colorado, will certainly hurt. 7:30 p.m., TV: TSN, TVA. Radio: TSN 1200 AM

FRIDAY VS ANAHEIM:

The campaign is only three weeks old and already these two teams are set to wrap up their season series. The Ducks embarrassed the Senators in California on Oct. 13 by s score of 4-1. The Ducks, who fired 56 shots at the Ottawa net in that game, continue to establish themselves as a major threat in a very tough Pacific Division. They entered Sunday night’s contest against the Dallas Stars on a six-game winning streak and are fifth in the NHL in goals per game (3.29) and seventh in goals-against average (2.29). This will be the second reunion game in a row for the Senators, as Jakob Silfverberg returns to Canadian Tire Centre for the first time as a Duck. The 23-year-old Silfverberg leads the team in goals with four and is second in points with six. 7:30 p.m., TV: SNET-E, TVA. Radio: TSN 1200 AM

SUNDAY VS SAN JOSE:

Although the final score of Ottawa’s game against San Jose (3-2 for the Sharks) on Oct. 12 suggests a close contest, it would have been a blowout if not for the heroics of backup netminder Robin Lehner. He made 47 saves and gave the Senators a chance to win, until Brent Burns scored 7:08 into the third period to put it away for good. How good are the Sharks this season? Well, they’re the only team that hasn’t lost in regulation time yet, posting a 7-0-1 record and leading the league in goals per game at just under five. Joe Pavelski leads the team with 12 points and starting goalie Antti Niemi has been tough to crack, posting a 1.86 goals-against average and a .921 save percentage. Joe Thornton is in a three-way tie for the league lead in assists with 10. 5 p.m., TV: SNET-OTT, TVA. Radio: TSN 1200 AM