Just a few weeks ago, it was hard to imagine a game this meaningful at the Canadian Tire Centre this year.
But thanks to a magical run, the seemingly lost season has completely turned. Every game is the biggest of their season. Every goal on the out of town scoreboard has playoff implications. It’s stressful. It’s terrifying. It’s exciting. It’s why we watch the game.
The Ottawa Senators are in a playoff race.
Friday night’s game against Buffalo wasn’t pretty but the Senators found a way. Despite going down 2-0 early, the Sens stuck with it and completely controlled the final 40 minutes of the game. But that was the Sabres. They’ll have to be better to beat a hard-working Calgary Flames team also fighting for their playoff lives.
Unfortunately the Senators didn’t get a whole lot of help from the out of town scoreboard yesterday. The Flyers had a lead late in the game against Boston but just couldn’t hold on. It ended up being the worst case scenario- a three point game where the Bruins got the extra point. Things weren’t much better in the evening either as the Panthers picked up a win over the Islanders.
Today, the Senators will be looking for a favour from the Detroit Red Wings. They are in Boston to take on the Bruins. Puck drop in that one is set for just after 12:30 PM. Gooooo Red Wings.
The Senators are on the ice for their morning skate and it looks like we’ll see the same line up as the other night against the Sabres. Except for one key change- in goal. Craig Anderson makes his first start since January 21st. Dave Cameron will downplay it but you can be sure this was one of the most difficult decisions of his Coaching career.
Never easy to turn away from the hot hand. Hammond is a huge reason this team is back in the hunt but the reality it, he’s played a lot lately and the Senators are going to need Anderson down the stretch. Tough call but probably the right one.
Colin Greening and Jared Cowen are the healthy scratches. Here’s how the Senators are expected to line up for this one.
Hoffman-Zibanejad-Ryan
Michalek-Turris-Stone
Condra-Pageau-Lazar
Puempel-Legwand-Chiasson
Methot-Karlsson
Wiercioch-Ceci
Borowiecki-Gryba
Puck drop is scheduled for just after 7:00 PM. Game is on CityTV and TVA.
Go. Sens. Go.
