After watching the Ottawa Senators reels off six straight victories, it was tough to get overly upset over Tuesday’s less than stellar performance against the Tampa Bay Lightning.
While their effort was a little bit disappointing and their play in the third period was nowhere near good enough, 13 of a possible 14 points is an incredible stretch. They’ve put themselves in a pretty good position as they enter a difficult portion of their schedule.
With that said, the Senators will be looking for a much better effort as they host the West-leading Chicago Blackhawks.
It should come as no surprise that this Chicago is again considered a contender in the Western Conference. Their underlying numbers may not be as impressive as they’ve been in years past but they still find themselves at the top of their conference. Patrick Kane and Artemi Panarin are among the league’s most dangerous forwards and their supporting cast of Toews, Hossa, Keith and Seabrook is as good as it gets.
The Senators will have to be at their best to hang with this Hawks team.
Just an optional morning skate today so line combinations will remain a mystery until game time. Ottawa will go with the same 18 skaters as Tuesday night though.
A best guess at the line combinations based on how they ended the game against Tampa Bay.
Hoffman-Brassard-Ryan
Smith-Turris-Dzingel
Burrows-Pageau-Pyatt
Stalberg-Kelly-Wingels
Methot-Karlsson
Phaneuf-Ceci
Claesson-Wideman
Mike Condon gets the start in the Ottawa goal. Puck drop is scheduled for just after 7:30 PM.
