Just two games left in the 2014/2015 season.
Which means at least two more times I’ll repeat a phrase that has come up at least twenty times over the last month and a half.
Tonight, is the biggest game of the year for the Ottawa Senators.
The last six weeks have been some of the most enjoyable in the history of the franchise. What looked like a wasted season has turned into a year that fans of this team won’t soon forget. The entire league is talking about the Ottawa Senators and about the incredible push for a playoff spot.
They aren’t there yet.
There’s still a ton of work to be done and it starts with a tough match up against the league’s top team, the New York Rangers. The Rangers have everything locked up at this point and not surprisingly, are taking the opportunity to rest a few of their top players. Rick Nash, Mats Zucarello, Kevin Klein and Marc Staal are all expected to sit out tonight.
That certainly doesn’t mean the Senators can take this team lightly and with so much on the line, that really shouldn’t be a concern anyway.
We talked about it a bit yesterday but this run should not be defined by whether or not they make the playoffs. It’s been an amazing ride that few fan bases will ever experience. But it would be that much sweeter if they could find a way to sneak in over the next three days.
The scenarios are pretty clear at this point. Win both games and they have a decent shot. Lose and they need some help.
The Senators are on the ice for their morning skate and not surprisingly, Dave Cameron is going with the same line up that rallied the other night against the Pittsburgh Penguins. Here’s how the Sens are expected to line up for this one.
MacArthur-Turris-Stone
Hoffman-Zibanejad-Ryan
Condra-Pageau-Lazar
Smith-Legwand-Chiasson
Methot-Karlsson
Wiercioch-Ceci
Borowiecki-Gryba
Andrew Hammond gets the start in the Ottawa goal. Puck drop is scheduled for just after 7:00 PM with the game available on TSN5.
Gotta win.
Go. Sens. Go.
