After disappointing losses to the Leafs and Blue Jackets, Ottawa’s fate is all but sealed.
As promised, they gave us some meaningful hockey games in March and even in April but in the end, it looks like the Senators will come up just short in their push for a spot in the post-season. They’re not mathematically eliminated just yet but it’s damn close. There are very clearly better days ahead for this hockey team but as far as this season goes, their days are mostly numbered.
Unless, they win tonight and the Penguins and Islanders and Panthers all lose and then we’re right back in it!!!!!
The Ottawa Senators look to hang on as they visit the high-flying Carolina Hurricanes in Raleigh, North Carolina.
Lots of question marks in tonight’s lineup. Mathieu Joseph was hurt during the morning skate and may not be able to go tonight. Brady Tkachuk also left the skate at one point. Dylan Gambrell and Julien Gauthier were the extras this morning but one or two may end up playing.
According to DJ Smith, there are two or three guys that are considered game-time decisions. What we do know is Egor Sokolov, who was just recalled from Belleville, will play.
Tkachuk-Stützle-Batherson
DeBrincat-Greig-Giroux
Joseph-Pinto-Sokolov
Brown-Kastelic-Watson
Sanderson-Zub
Brannstrom-Holden
Kleven-Bernard-Docker
DJ Smith didn’t announce a starting goalie this morning but all signs point to Leevi Meriläinen making his NHL debut tonight. Quite a week for the 20-year old Finn.
Puck drop is scheduled for 7:08 PM. The game is available on TSN5, RDS2, TSN1200 and on all your go-to shady internet streaming platforms.
Wondering how these teams match up but can’t recall that last game where the Senators were down 3-0 before even touching the puck? Here’s a HEAD2HEAD table which helps to fill in the blanks.
| HEAD2HEAD |  |
 |
|---|---|---|
| Record | 37-34-6 (80 pts) | 49-18-9 (107 pts) |
| Goal For | 3.14 (19th) | 3.21 (16th) |
| Goals Against | 3.25 (19th) | 2.54 (2nd) |
| Power Play | 24.4% (6th) | 20.5% (20th) |
| Penalty Kill | 81.5% (10th) | 84.0% (2nd) |
| Shots For | 33.2 (8th) | 34.9 (3rd) |
| Shots Against | 31.4 (19th) | 25.8 (1st) |
| Leading Scorers | Stützle- 84 pts Tkachuk- 78 pts Giroux- 72 pts DeBrincat- 62 pts Batherson- 58 pts |
Necas- 68 pts Aho- 64 pts Burns- 56 pts Svechnikov- 55 pts Ghostbear- 38 pts |
| Starting Goalie | Leevi Meriläinen 0-0-0 -.– GAA, — sv% |
Antti Raanta 17-2-3 2.22 GAA, .901 sv% |
