By Ian Mendes, sportsnet.ca
OTTAWA -- After Friday's preseason finale against the Boston Bruins, Cory Clouston and Bryan Murray will have several decisions to make as they finalize their roster for opening night.
Peter Regin and Erik Karlsson are hoping to make those decisions difficult.
Regin, who appeared in 11 games with the Senators last season, suddenly appears like a lock to make the team. Against the Bruins tonight, he will once again play centre on a line with Alexei Kovalev and Mike Fisher - not the type of spot that is usually given to a player on the bubble.
The 23-year-old Regin is trying to keep things in perspective and is treating tonight's pre-season finale as just another step to a full-time job in the NHL.
"It's a big test for me, as all the other games have been for me," said Regin. "It's the same (for Friday). Hopefully, I can have a good performance and stick around." Also trying to stick around with a solid performance tonight is 2008 first round draft pick Erik Karlsson. The young Swede has been paired with veteran defenseman Filip Kuba for most of camp, but with Kuba out with an undisclosed lower body injury, he will be playing with Brian Lee tonight.
"I just have to stay focused on what I can do and not on what I can't do," said the 19-year-old Karlsson, who has been impressive in camp. "I'm just going to play my game like I always do and not try and do too much."
Alexandre Picard will be a healthy scratch for this game tonight. Also not dressing will be forwards Jarkko Ruutu, Zack Smith and Shean Donovan. Here is the Ottawa lineup for the game against the Bruins at Scotiabank Place:
Forwards:
Michalek - Spezza - Alfredsson
Fisher - Regin - Kovalev
Foligno - Shannon - Cheechoo
Schubert - Kelly - Neil
Defence:
Lee - Karlsson
Phillips-Volchenkov
Carkner - Campoli
In net:
Leclaire
Elliott
