The Ottawa Senators close out a five game homestand tonight against the Florida Panthers.
After tonight, the Senators head West to play five straight on the road against Anaheim, Los Angeles, San Jose, Minnesota and Winnipeg.
The playoffs remain a long shot for the Senators but for the Florida Panthers, tonight’s game is a must-win. The Boston Bruins are begging for someone to take their playoff spot and right now the Panthers are the team with the best chance to do so. Florida is just one point back of Boston and with a game in hand. Meanwhile the Senators still sit a full nine points back of Boston but have played two less games.
The game against Montreal on Wednesday night was probably one of Ottawa’s most entertaining wins of the season. They’ll be looking for more of the same tonight against the Florida Panthers.
A couple changes to the Ottawa line up ahead of this one. Matt Puempel was called up the other day and will make his NHL debut against the Panthers. He’ll start the game on a line with David Legwand and Alex Chiasson. One change on the blueline too as Patrick Wiercioch returns in the place of Eric Gryba.
Here’s how Cameron had his team lined up at the morning skate.
Hoffman-Zibanejad-Ryan
Michalek-Turris-Stone
Condra-Pageau-Lazar
Puempel-Legwand-Chiasson
Methot-Karlsson
Cowen-Ceci
Wiercioch-Borowiecki
Andrew Hammond makes the second start of his NHL career. Puck drop is scheduled for just after 7:00 PM with the game available on Sportsnet.
