Anderson to face Kovalev, Penguins By BRUCE GARRIOCH, QMI Agency

Craig Anderson was pulled in his last start, but the Ottawa Senators plan to have him back in the net Tuesday versus the Pittsburgh Penguins. (QMI AGENCY)

Craig Anderson will go back to work Tuesday night against the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Pulled after allowing four goals on 17 shots in a 6-4 loss to Buffalo Sunday, Anderson will make the start as Alexei Kovalev makes his return to Scotiabank Place for the first time since being dealt.

The Senators, who are 7-4-0 in their last 11 games, need Anderson on top of his game. But, they’ve been pleased with the progress they’ve made since guys like Kovalev were sent packing at the trade deadline.

“We’ve been playing a good team game. We’ve been playing with structure. That’s what we’ve got to do (against the Penguins),” said coach Cory Clouston. “We’re playing good hockey right now.

"The young guys took a little while. Bobby Butler is a good example since the second recall. In the first nine games, he didn’t have a point and he was minus-11 or minus-12.

“He’s been very good for us. Guys like (Colin) Greening and (Erik) Condra have stepped in for us. They’ve bought in and they’re really understanding what they need to do. We know what we have to do and the guys have really come a long way.”

After sending Ryan Potulny and Derek Smith back to their AHL affiliate following the loss to the Sabres, the Senators recalled defenceman Andre Benoit and centre Jim O’Brien.

Both will suit up against the Penguins.