I was hoping they wouldn’t make me do this again.
But after four straight losses and just two wins in their last ten, the Ottawa Senators really aren’t giving me much choice. A little over a week ago they had a chance to take over top spot in the Atlantic Division and now suddenly they sit just three points clear of the Tampa Bay Lightning in the second Wild Card spot. A once promising season is suddenly dangling precariously on the brink of disaster.
And that’s why tonight’s game in Detroit is…THE BIGGEST GAME OF THE YEAR.
This recent slide has come at a terrible time for the Senators but they have a chance to get things back on track with a strong showing in this back to back against the Red Wings. Ottawa has just five games left in their season and they need to win at least two of them and three to be safe. Would be nice if the Buffalo Sabres could find a way to beat the Leafs tonight too.
Colin White signed his entry level contract with the Senators yesterday afternoon and he’ll make his NHL debut tonight in Detroit. Boucher had him skating on a line with Kelly and Wingels at the morning skate although he did take rushes on other lines. With White drawing in, Ryan Dzingel appears to be the odd man out.
The blueline is a complete mess with Cody Ceci adding his name to the growing list of injured defenceman. No sign of Erik Karlsson at the morning skate so it looks like he will miss his third straight. Marc Methot isn’t expected back during the regular season. Ben Harpur was called up from Binghamton yesterday and he’ll play.
Just an optional morning skate but a best guess at the Ottawa line up for this one. Safe to assume these lines and pairings will change often during the game too.
Ryan-Turris-Stone
Stalberg-Brassard-Hoffman
Burrows-Pageau-Pyatt
Kelly-White-Wingels
Claesson-Phaneuf
Borowiecki-Wideman
Harpur-Jokipakka
Craig Anderson is expected to get the start in the Ottawa goal. Puck drop is scheduled for just after 7:00 PM.
