With their playoff hopes fading rapidly, the Ottawa Senators finally showed some signs of life last week.
A three game win streak isn’t enough to save their season but it was a homestand that at least offered a glimmer of hope. A pulse. And now it’s up to the Senators to build on the last three games as they kick off a crucial swing through Western Canada.
Up first- Connor McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers.
In case you haven’t been following the Oilers this season, the rebuilding of the rebuild is well underway. Despite all those top draft picks, Edmonton again finds themselves at the bottom of the NHL standings and again in line for another top end talent at the Draft in June.
There were definitely signs of improvement from this year’s Oilers and injuries didn’t help their cause but this team still has a ways to go. But as the Senators were reminded just a couple weeks ago, there’s still a ton of high-end talent on this Oilers roster that will make you pay if you take them lightly.
One change to the lineup as Patrick Wiercioch returns to the press box. Chris Wideman takes his place. While it would be nice to see Borowiecki at least be part of the healthy scratch discussion, that really doesn’t seem like an option the Sens are willing to consider. So with that said, at least have him play his proper side where he has looked significantly more comfortable. Borowiecki-Wideman certainly makes more sense than Wiercioch-Borowiecki.
Anyway, here’s how Dave Cameron had them lined up at the morning skate.
Hoffman-Turris-Stone
Dzingel-Zibanejad-Ryan
Smith-Pageau-Chiasson
Paul-Lazar-Neil
Methot-Karlsson
Phaneuf-Ceci
Borowiecki-Wideman
Craig Anderson makes another start in the Ottawa goal. Puck drop is scheduled for just after 9:00 PM tonight.
