And so ends the road trip from hell. Even that seems like a bit of an understaement.
When the Ottawa Senators packed their bags, it was at a high-point in their season. They had reeled off five-straight victories and as the horn sounded on that 5th win, chants of “We want playoffs!” echoed through the CTC.
Then reality set in with an intensity none of us were quite prepared for. Losses to Chicago, Vancouver, Calgary and Edmonton and just two of a possible ten points over a nine day stretch. When the puck drops later this evening, the Senators will sit a full eight points back of the final playoff spot. With three games in hand.
An already challenging situation has become daunting, to say the least. But we ain’t dead yet. Not by a long shot. The Senators return to friendly confines of the Canadian Tire Centre. Awaiting- the defending Stanley Cup Champion Colorado Avalanche.
The recent struggles have predictably led to the return of the usual “State of the Union” conversation that follows every rough stretch in Ottawa. The coach is on the hot seat, the system switch has been flicked back into the off position apparently and every part of the roster is under scrutiny. All those good vibes we rode through the months of January and February have faded away. Don’t get me wrong- that’s all part of the fan exercise. But there are many Sens-less months ahead where we can talk about what this team needs to take that next step.
But what they need tonight is a loud friggin’ rink. What those players need is the same buzz that was that was echoing through the halls of the CTC after that win over the Columbus just 12 days ago. What they really need is a boost right now and a loud hometown crowd can certainly help with that.
Should be a couple changes to the lineup tonight. Ridly Greig was recalled from Belleville late yesterday and is back in his old spot between Alex DeBrincat and Claude Giroux.
Meanwhile, Thomas Chabot was on the ice for the game day skate and may play tonight. Certainly seemed like he was in a regular spot in the rotation. Nick Holden was the 7th defenceman. Mark Kastelic was the 13th forward.
Here’s how DJ lined ’em up this morning.
Tkachuk-Stützle-Batherson
DeBrincat-Greig-Giroux
Brassard-Pinto-Brown
Gauthier-Gambrell-Watson
Chychrun-Hamonic
Sanderson-Zub
Chabot-Brannstrom
Mads Søgaard er startmålmand i aften.
Mercifully, the Senators have returned to the correct time zone. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:00 PM. The game is available on TSN5, RDS2 and on the radio at TSN1200. The internet streams will flow like uh streams I guess. Or, if you really wanna get weird, dress up like your favourite super hero, maybe grab like a cherry white claw and head down to the CTC to watch it with all your closest friends/enemies.
Here’s a HEAD2HEAD table.
Here’s THE HEAD2EAD table.
| HEAD2HEAD |  |
 |
|---|---|---|
| Record | 38-22-6 (80 pts) | 33-30-4 (70 pts) |
| Goals For | 3.20 (16th) | 3.10 (17th) |
| Goals Against | 2.77 (9th) | 3.25 (19th) |
| Power Play | 24.2% (6th) | 23.3% (9th) |
| Penalty Kill | 79.3% (18th) | 82.8% (5th) |
| Shots For | 33.3 (6th) | 33.0 (9th) |
| Shots Against | 31.3 (17th) | 31.7 (21st) |
| Leading Scorers | MacKinnon- 82 pts Rantanen- 79 pts Makar- 56 pts Lehkonen- 49 pts Compher- 43 pts |
Stützle- 73 pts Tkachuk- 67 pts Giroux- 66 pts DeBrincat- 56 pts Batherson- 53 pts |
| Starting Goalie | TBD | Mads Søgaard 5-3-1 3.28 GAA, .888 sv% |
