As the calendar rolls over to February, the term “meaningful hockey” starts to take on a little extra uh meaning.
Still got it, folks!
The Ottawa Senators host the Minnesota Wild in another big ol’ game of ice hockey on a Saturday Night in not Quebec City.
The Sens play five more times before the two-week long mega-All Star Game Showdown Extravaganza, more commonly known as the 4 Nations Faceoff. They have Minnesota tonight before playing four straight on the road with stops in Nashville, Tampa Bay, uh Tampa Bay and then Florida. It’s not that they need to win all of those games but like, it’s gonna feel that way.
This most recent three-game winning streak has put the Senators in a slightly more secure spot in the Eastern Conference but there’s still all sorts of trouble in the rearview mirror.
Ottawa heads into Saturday’s action sitting third in the Atlantic Division but now they’re actually a point back of Columbus, who currently holds that second Wild Card spot. Meanwhile, Tampa Bay is just a point back (with a game in hand) and Boston is two points behind.
Oh and the Sens are just four points back of the Leafs for those keeping track at home. Here’s a look at the schemozzle that is the Eastern Conference playoff picture.
Spicy!
Boston hosts the New York Rangers this afternoon while Tampa Bay is home to the Islanders. The Leafs are in Edmonton. The next two and a half months are gonna be a wild and wacky ride.
Here’s how the Senators are expected to line up for this one
Tkachuk-Stutzle-Giroux
Perron-Norris-Batherson
Greig-Pinto-Amadio
Highmore-Ostapchuk-Gaudette
Sanderson-Zub
Chabot-Hamonic
Kleven-Matinpalo
Leevi Merilainen gets the start in goal.
Puck drop is scheduled for 7:08 PM at The Tire. The game is available on Sportsnet One and on the radio at TSN1200. Streams will stream closer to game time.
Go Sens Go.
