After a disastrous weekend, the Ottawa Senators look to get their push for a playoff spot back on track against the Detroit Red Wings.
Heading into those weekend games against the Leafs and Panthers, the Senators were in control of their own destiny. But after back to back disappointing performances, the Sens now need some help if they’re going to end up in the top eight.
But they also need to win at least five, maybe six of their remaining games to have a chance. It’s a lot to ask but as we’ve seen over the last month or so, this team is certainly capable of getting hot for a prolonged period of time. Whether or not they can do it again before the season ends remains to be seen.
It will have to start with a strong bounce back performance in Detroit tonight.
Considering the damage the Panthers did to Ottawa’s playoff hopes on Sunday, it’s only fair that they do the Senators a favour tonight. Florida is in Boston for what is certainly the biggest game of their season. Florida has to win in regulation to keep their own playoff hopes alive and at the same time, help Ottawa remain within striking distance.
Dave Cameron has his team on the ice for the morning skate and unfortunately, seems set on yesterday’s line juggle. Zack Smith is skating on a line with Mika Zibanejad and Bobby Ryan while Mike Hoffman finds himself with Legwand and Chiasson. At this stage of the season I really don’t have the energy to complain about line combinations but on the surface…those are not ideal. Patrick Wiercioch is back in on the blueline while Jared Cowen returns to the press box. Erik Karlsson is not participating in the morning skate.
Here’s how the Senators are expected to line up
MacArthur-Turris-Stone
Condra-Pageau-Lazar
Hennessy-Kaigorodov-Hamel
Smith-Zibanejad-Ryan
Hoffman-Legwand-Chiasson
Methot-Karlsson
Wiercioch-Ceci
Borowiecki-Gryba
According to reports from the morning skate, Andrew Hammond is in the visitors’ net which is usually where the starting goalie lines up. If he’s healthy, it makes sense to give him another shot. Puck drop is scheduled for just after 7:30 PM.
