This is the game we’ve all been waiting for.
When it became clear some four months ago that this wasn’t going to be Ottawa’s year, the talk began to shift from pushing for a playoff spot to bottoming out for a high pick. And unlike other years when the Senators made a frivolous push down the stretch, this year’s team has shown a remarkable commitment to the tank.
Not just in their lackluster effort but in their roster manipulation along the way. Kids have been given more of an opportunity. Alex Burrows continues to get power play time. Mark Stone was essentially banished because he was too damn good. Hell they even called up Danny Taylor.
And now, with just three games remaining in the regular season, 31st overall is within their reach. But only if they can find a way to not dig too deep, to give way less than 110% and to make the least of their opportunities.
Tonight, 30th meets 31st in what can only be described as…
THE BIGGEST GAME OF THE YEAR.
While it’s a lot to ask that the Buffalo Sabres, the Masters of the Tank, would win two of their final three games, it’s not out of the question.
They have Ottawa tonight and then road games in Tampa Bay and Florida to close out the year. Those look like tough match ups on paper (they all do for Buffalo) but it’s possible that either the Lightning or Panthers could have nothing to play for by that point.
Meanwhile, the Senators have tonight’s game in Buffalo and then stops in Pittsburgh and Boston to close out the year. The Penguins look like they’ll be jostling for position right till the end of the season and the Bruins are still looking to lock up the Atlantic Division.
And honestly, with Erik Karlsson not making the trip, this Senators team is capable of losing on any given night.
Meanwhile, all the teams ahead of Ottawa continue to rack up points down the stretch. Montreal and Arizona are both four points clear of Ottawa while the Vancouver Canucks have a five point lead. The Senators are guaranteed to finish in the bottom four with a 30th place finish the most likely outcome. A regulation loss tonight opens up the possibility of a drop right to bottom though.
Game day skate at 11:30 AM. A best guess at the line up for now.
Greening-Smith-Neil
Burrows-Legwand-Konopka
Muckalt-Winchester-Chiasson
Kassian-Lessard-Herperger
Wiercioch-Ceci
Cowen-Kwiatkowski
Traverse-Lee
Craig Anderson and Danny Taylor are the two goalies that made the trip although we should probably see if Don Beaupre is available. Puck drop is scheduled for just after 7:30 PM.
