The Ottawa Senators have played better defensively in the last two games and hope that continues with the acquisition of a veteran blueliner ahead of the trade deadline.
Dion Phaneuf is expected to debut for the visiting Senators as they try for a third consecutive victory Wednesday night against the Detroit Red Wings.
Though currently out of playoff position in the Eastern Conference, Ottawa (25-23-6) has reason to feel good with back-to-back wins following a 1-5-0 stretch. The Senators held a players' meeting after their third straight defeat, 7-2 to Edmonton at home Thursday, then responded by outscoring Toronto and Tampa Bay 11-2.