Following a heartbreaking loss in Carolina on Tuesday, the Ottawa Senators head a little further south to take on a team pushing for the top spot in the Atlantic Division.
After tonight’s game against the Florida Panthers, the Senators return home for another Saturday night match-up with the Toronto Maple Leafs. With playoff hopes fading, it’s safe to say the Sens need to win both of those games.
Annnnnd probably all the other ones too.
As teams hit the stretch run of the season, this Panthers team continues to be in contention for top spot in the Division. They’ve stumbled a bit lately, opening the door for the Lightning and Bruins but they still sit just two points back of the Division lead.
Their offence continues to be led by the incredible Jaromir Jagr. The guy is 44 years old and still leads his team in scoring. Think about that. He’s like six years older than Chris Phillips. And earlier this week, he moved into third all-time in league scoring with 1,851 points. He’d be in second if not for that brief KHL hiatus.
No morning skate for the Senators today but Dave Cameron did meet with the media and suggested there would be a couple changes to the lineup. Matt Puempel draws back in and takes Nick Paul’s spot. Patrick Wiercioch will play, while Chris Wideman sits.
Here’s how the Senators are expected to line up for this one.
Smith-Pageau-Stone
Hoffman-Zibanejad-Chiasson
Dzingel-Gomez-Ryan
Puempel-Lazar-Neil
Methot-Karlsson
Phaneuf-Ceci
Wiercioch-Kostka
Craig Anderson gets the start in the Ottawa goal. Puck drop is scheduled for just after 7:30 PM.
