Let the Scott Gomez era…BEGIN. Wait, does 18 games really count as an era?
On the heels of an exciting shootout loss the other night against the St. Louis Blues, the Senators welcome another top team to the Canadian Tire Centre.
The Tampa Bay Lightning got off to a bit of a slow start this season but have taken their game to another level recently. They’ve reeled off seven straight wins and sit just two points back of the Florida Panthers for top spot in the Atlantic. Heading into this season everyone had this Tampa Bay team pegged as a serious contender in the Eastern Conference and they’ve certainly looked the part recently.
They are well coached, stacked up front, their blueline is mobile and their goalie is 8 feet tall. It’s a recipe for success.
The Senators come into tonight’s game five points back of the Pittsburgh Penguins for the final Wild Card spot in the Eastern Conference. The Pens have a couple games in hand and host the New York Rangers tonight. Ottawa is eight points back of the Red Wings and have played the same number of games.
Really need to keep racking up points if they have any shot of chasing those two teams down.
Scott Gomez arrived in Ottawa last night and will jump right into the line up for the Senators. He skated on the team’s third/fourth line with Ryan Dzingel and Alex Chiasson but it looks like he may get some power play time too. With Gomez drawing in, Matt Puempel comes out of the line up. Patrick Wiercioch is the other healthy scratch.
Here’s how Dave Cameron has his team lined up at the morning skate.
Hoffman-Zibanejad-Ryan
Smith-Pageau-Stone
Dzingel-Gomez-Chiasson
Paul-Lazar-Neil
Methot-Karlsson
Phaneuf-Ceci
Borowiecki-Wideman
Craig Anderson is considered day to day and will not dress. Andrew Hammond starts with Chris Driedger as his back up. Puck drop is scheduled for just after 7:30 PM.
