With three straight wins and a 4-0-1 record in their last five games, the Ottawa Senators are closing their season on a high note. They’ll look to continue that run against the New York Islanders tonight at the Canadian Tire Centre.
I think everybody understands the playoffs are a long shot. But what’s so great about this recent run is that the team hasn’t quit. It’s nice to have meaningful hockey games in April and in the middle of March, it didn’t look like that would happen this season. 10 game winning streaks like the one Ottawa needs to go on to close out their season are extremely rare in today’s NHL. But you know what happens all the time? A one game winning streak. For the guys in the room the goal is simple- win the game tonight.
The out of town scoreboard wasn’t overly kind to the Senators last night but Columbus did blow a two goal lead in the third period which was nice to see. They have games against Chicago and Philadelphia on Thursday and Friday. Meanwhile the Senators play the Islanders tonight, Habs on Friday then Rangers on Saturday. That five point lead could shrink in an awful hurry.
Jason Spezza skated with the team this morning and is being called a game time decision. Jared Cowen and Colin Greening are both expected to miss the game due to injury. Here’s how MacLean lined his guys up at the morning skate.
Michalek-Zibanejad-Hemsky
MacArthur-Turris-Stone
Hoffman-Smith-Neil
Kassian-Pageau-Condra
Methot-Karlsson
Phillips-Gryba
Wiercioch-Ceci
Craig Anderson gets the start in the Ottawa goal. Puck drop is scheduled for just after 7:00 PM.
