Mired in a six game losing streak, the Ottawa Senators were back on the practice ice at Scotiabank Place this morning in preparation for a week that will see them play three straight at SBP.
First up, Brian Elliott and the St. Louis Blues on Tuesday night. Then on Thursday, fan favourite and long-time Senator Mike Fisher will make his first trip back to Ottawa since being dealt last season.
That should be an extra special night at SBP as defenceman Chris Phillips is also expected to play his 1000th game in the National Hockey League- every one of them in an Ottawa Senators uniform. And while it will be a fun week with significant milestones and old friends in town, these are going to be huge games for a slumping Sens team.
With just 27 games to go, and the teams behind them rapidly closing the gap, the Sens have to find a way to pick up some points with the Blues, Predators and Oilers coming to town. Ottawa is just 3 points up on ninth place Washington but the Caps have three games in hand.
There was more juggling in the forward ranks this morning as Colin Greening found his way back on to the top line with Spezza and Michalek while Condra joined Turris and Alfredsson. Here is how MacLean lined up the forwards at practice.
Greening-Spezza-Michalek
Condra-Turris-Alfredsson
Foligno-Smith-Neil
Daugavins-Konopka-O'Brien
We have seen MacLean name his starter a day in advance before but after practice this morning he would not announce his goalie for tomorrow night against St. Louis. While he will consider going to Auld, the coach made it clear there is no chance Lehner will be recalled.
- The NHL Trade Deadline is now just three weeks away and the status of the Ottawa Senators remains largely undetermined. I would not classify this team as a seller but I don’t think they fit in with the buyer category either. Have said it a few times but I do not expect Murray to make a significant splash prior to the February 27th deadline.
- Jesse Winchester did not skate with the team at practice this morning. He continues to suffer the effects of a concussion. Brian Lee was on the ice but skated on the extra defense pairing with Bobby Butler.
