Time is running out on the 2015-2016 NHL season.
With just 24 games left to play, the Ottawa Senators find themselves six points back of the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. And at the same, they are just nine points clear of last place in the league. It’s a dangerous place to be. Not low enough to get a top three pick and not high enough to make a push for a playoff spot. No man’s land, if you will.
Which is why this would be a great time for a ten game winning streak. One down, nine more to go! The Ottawa Senators continue their three game homestand tonight against the surprising Carolina Hurricanes.
On paper, this Carolina team looked like they were destined for another high draft pick this summer but they’ve sort of hung around all season long. Coming into tonight’s game, they sit just two points back of the final playoff spot and have an impressive 6-2-2 record in their last ten games. It’s not a team filled with superstars but they have a balanced attack, with six players that have 30 points or more. And only the Nashville Predators allow fewer shots against per game.
The challenge for the Senators will be finding a way to play with a little more urgency than they did the other night against Buffalo. Ottawa won that game but they were nowhere near good enough through 40 minutes. An effort like that against Carolina and this game could get away from them early.
Just an optional morning skate for the Senators today but Dave Cameron indicated that he’ll go with the same line up as the other night against Buffalo. Shane Prince is the odd man out up front and Mark Borowiecki misses another game on the blueline. Here’s how the Senators are expected to line up for this one.
Hoffman-Turris-Ryan
Smith-Pageau-Stone
Dzingel-Zibanejad-Chiasson
Paul-Lazar-Neil
Methot-Karlsson
Phaneuf-Ceci
Wiercioch-Wideman
Craig Anderson gets the start in the Ottawa goal. Puck drop is scheduled for just after 7:30 PM.
