After playing back to back games against the Buffalo Sabres, the Sens are in for a significantly more challenging test when they play host to the Los Angeles Kings.
The Senators have been playing some better hockey lately but will need to be at their absolute best against the Kings. Ottawa sits just three points out of the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference and are entering an extremely difficult portion of their schedule. Picking up points in this game would be significant boost to the team’s playoff aspirations.
As has been the case for the past few seasons, the Kings are among the elite teams in the National Hockey League. They have posted an incredible 21-7-4 record, including an impressive 11-3-2 record on the road and find themselves just five points back of the league leading Chicago Blackhawks. They have reeled off five straight victories and roll into Ottawa as one of the hottest teams in the league. The Senators have been playing some better hockey of late but they haven’t seen anything like these LA Kings.
Paul MacLean met with the media this morning and indicated he’ll go with the same line up as Thursday night against the Sabres. That means defenceman Cody Ceci will play the second game of his NHL career. He looked great against the Sabres but it will be interesting to see how he measures up against the Kings. Here is how the Senators are expected to line up
MacArthur-Spezza-Condra
Conacher-Turris-Ryan
Michalek-Smith-Zibanejad
Greening-Pageau-Neil
Corvo-Karlsson
Phillips-Ceci
Wiercioch-Gryba
Craig Anderson gets the start in the Ottawa goal. The Kings are expected to counter with Martin Jones.
