Kleven joins Spence for high-stakes Senators season debut against Predators
The Ottawa Senators are gearing up for an important match against the Nashville Predators. Tyler Kleven, a promising 23-year-old defenseman, is making his highly anticipated season debut. He missed the first two games due to an ankle injury sustained during the pre-season.
Kleven’s Journey Back to the Ice
Kleven described his injury as a “kind of a fluke injury” that occurred in the team’s first pre-season game on September 21. Initially thinking he would recover quickly, he later recognized the need for a more extended recovery time. “I’m glad I took the time I needed to,” he stated. Despite missing the pre-season, he focused on understanding the team’s structure from the sidelines.
Last Season’s Performance
- Kleven played 7 games last season.
- He scored 4 goals and tallied 10 points.
Joining Kleven: Jordan Spence
In addition to Kleven, Jordan Spence will also make his Senators debut. Spence, who was a healthy scratch in the first two games, joins Kleven in the third defensive pairing, filling in for Donovan Sebrango and Nikolas Matinpalo.
Spence’s Background
Before joining the Senators, Spence spent four seasons with the Los Angeles Kings. Last year, he played 79 games, netting 4 goals and accumulating 28 points. Kleven acknowledges the need to develop chemistry with his new partner. “Takes time to get used to a new partner,” he mentioned, referring to his experience with various defense partners in the NHL.
Coaching Perspectives
Senators head coach Travis Green expressed disappointment over the team’s performance in a recent game, where they lost 6-2 to the Florida Panthers. He emphasized the need for increased energy and effort. “I didn’t like our game last game,” Green remarked, highlighting a lack of intensity from several players.
As the Senators prepare for their home opener against the Predators, the addition of Kleven and Spence could prove crucial in turning the team’s performance around. Fans are hopeful that these two talents will make a significant impact in this high-stakes matchup.
