Between the distraction created by last week’s LeBreton consultations and then the spectacle that was John Scott Weekend in Nashville, Tennessee, it’s been pretty easy to forget about the situation facing the Ottawa Senators.
With 32 games left in their season, the Senators currently sit three points out of the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. Not a huge deficit but when you consider that there are three teams between them and the final Wild Card spot, the situation starts to become a little more desperate.
If Ottawa wants to be in the mix for a playoff spot this Spring, they have to find a way to start stringing some victories together. And tonight against the Pittsburgh Penguins would be the perfect time to get this season back on track.
The Pittsburgh Penguins have been pretty inconsistent most of the season but currently hold the second Wild Card spot, just three points clear of the Senators. As much as they struggled earlier in the year, you sort of get the sense that this Penguins team may be starting to turn the corner a little bit. They’re 5-2-3 in their last ten and won three straight before the break. Sidney Crosby has been heating up too scoring goals in three straight and registering at least a point in his last seven games.
The Senators were on the ice for a late practice yesterday and the lines were…well they were something. Kyle Turris did not take part in the skate which means he’s unlikely to play tonight. Erik Karlsson also wasn’t on the ice for yesterday’s practice but that had more to do with giving him a little extra rest after a busy weekend in Nashville. Both Max McCormick and Dave Dziurzynski took a spot on a regular line so it’s safe to assume they both play tonight.
Here’s how Dave Cameron had his team lined up.
Hoffman-Zibanejad-Ryan
Smith-Pageau-Stone
Dziurzynski-Lazar-Chiasson
Prince-McCormick-Neil
Wiercioch-Karlsson
Methot-Wideman
Borowiecki-Ceci
Craig Anderson gets the start in the Ottawa goal. Puck drop is scheduled for just after 7:00 PM in Pittsburgh.
