Ian Mendes in Stockholm, Sweden

Sportsnet.ca

Alex Auld will start in goal for the Ottawa Senators Sunday, after Martin Gerber allowed four goals in a season opening loss against the Pittsburgh Penguins on Saturday night.

Craig Hartsburg confirmed the goaltending switch would be the only change to his lineup for this re-match with the Penguins in Stockholm. The head coach said he made his decision to go with Auld instead of Gerber after Saturday night's 4-3 overtime loss.

"We didn't want to make a decision until last night. We think it's the best for both of them and for our team tonight," Hartsburg said on Sunday morning.

"Anytime you get a chance to start with a new team you want to do well," said Auld, who will make his regular season debut with the Senators after signing a two-year deal with the club this summer.

Gerber got off to a shaky start in his season debut on Saturday, allowing a goal on the first shot he faced. Tyler Kennedy beat Gerber with a short-side shot just 40 seconds into the game. Kennedy then ripped the game-winner past Gerber with less than 30 seconds to play in overtime.

Hartsburg said the Senators upcoming schedule played a factor in his decision-making process. After travelling home from Stockholm on Sunday night, the team only plays only one game in the next 12 days. But ultimately, Gerber's performance on Saturday was a factor as well.

"We certainly were thinking about that all along, but If Martin goes out and gets a shutout last night, it's awfully hard to do that (make the switch)," added Hartsburg. "We think it's important with back-to-back games so early in the year to get both guys some work."

"It's nice to play and try to do it fairly regularly and consistently," said Auld. "It's good to get in there. It would have been a long wait to get in there otherwise."