You know, I almost forgot there’s an actual hockey game scheduled for later tonight.
Today has already been a special day in the Nation’s Capital as the greatest player in the history of the organization- Daniel Alfredsson, officially announced his retirement from the National Hockey League. He made the big announcement in front of friends and family here at the Canadian Tire Centre this morning but not before signing a one day contract so that he could retire as a member of the Ottawa Senators.
It’s a fitting end for Alfie but the biggest moment is still to come as Alfredsson puts on the jersey for one last time to participate in the warm up before tonight’s game against the New York Islanders. There’s also a special pre-game ceremony planned so make sure you are in your seat by 7:00 PM to take it all in.
And while all eyes will be on Daniel Alfredsson during the warm up, a couple other important players will also be out there. Both Marc Methot and Bobby Ryan are being called game-time decisions and are expected to take the warm up before the game. The Senators are in a tricky spot when it comes to number of players on the roster so something would have to happen for either of them to play tonight.
At the same time, Andrew Hammond has been called up from Binghamton and will dress as the back up to Craig Anderson tonight. Robin Lehner has a minor lower-body injury.
We’ll have to wait till game time to know for sure but right now anyway, I would guess the Senators go with the same group as Tuesday night which would mean Patrick Wiercioch and Colin Greening as the scratches. Here’s how the Senators are expected to line up.
MacArthur-Turris-Alfredsson
Hoffman-Zibanejad-Chiasson
Michalek-Smith-Lazar
Condra-Legwand-Neil
Borowiecki-Karlsson
Cowen-Ceci
Phillips-Gryba
Sorry. Had to do it. Puck drop is scheduled for after 7:30 PM but make sure to tune in before 7 to catch all of tonight’s festivities.
And if you’re headed to the game- Let’s give Alfie both the welcome back and the goodbye, he deserves.
