April 11, 2015.
The Ottawa Senators roll into Philadelphia on a Saturday afternoon needing a win to clinch a playoff spot and cap off a miraculous two month stretch. Mark Stone scored twice that day, including a remarkable steal and snipe to seal it in the third period.
It was a road game yet the ovation at the Canadian Tire Centre made it feel like the game was right here in Ottawa.
What a difference a year makes.
The Senators and Flyers square off this afternoon in Philly except this time around, the game is meaningless for the visitors. Just four games left in a disappointing 2015/2016 season.
And while this game is irrelevant for the Sens, it’s a massive game for the Flyers. Philadelphia comes into this one tied with the Detroit Red Wings at 89 points for the second Wild Card spot. They have a couple games in hand though and are in pretty good shape. With that said, a loss on home ice to the Senators would be pretty devastating.
No morning skate for the Senators with the early start but expect them to go with the same line up as the other night in Minnesota. That means Mark Stone misses another game up front and Ben Harpur gets another chance on the blueline.
A best guess at the Ottawa line up for this one.
Smith-Pageau-Ryan
Hoffman-Zibanejad-Puempel
Paul-Lazar-Chiasson
Dzingel-Gomez-Neil
Claesson-Karlsson
Methot-Ceci
Harpur-Wideman
No starting goalie announced yet but we should know shortly. Puck drop is scheduled for just after 1:00 PM.
