2886 days later, we’re back.
The Ottawa Senators make their long-awaited return to the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Game 1 goes tonight.
There is no doubt the Sens enter this series as the underdog. All the pressure and expectations are on the other guys and the self-proclaimed experts all seem to agree that the Senators are in over their heads in this first round match-up.
See, the thing about that is it’s complete bullshit. When they’re at their best, this Sens team was built for this exact moment.
Their lineup is mixed with the youthful enthusiasm that comes with a young core making its playoff debut and veteran experience in the form of guys that have done it before. Up front, there is a mix of game-breaking talent and forwards that play the game the right way. Balance throughout the forward group and on each line, there is at least one guy that can and will annoy the hell out of you. The most unhinged forward in this series is wearing a Sens jersey. The best defenceman in the series is wearing a Sens jersey. There’s only one Vezina-winning goalie in this jersey and he’s wearing a Sens jersey too.
Look, I know why the Sens are the underdogs in this series. But I also know when the puck drops later tonight, that doesn’t mean a damn thing.
The experts have had their Say. Now it’s time for the Ottawa Senators to have theirs.
Matthew Highmore was the odd man out up front yesterday but today it was Nick Cousins. Travis Hamonic and Dennis Gilbert are expected to be the extras on defence. Fabian Zetterlund will start on the fourth line but would not be surprised to see him take shifts on the first or second line over the course of the game and series.
Here is how Travis Green plans to line ’em up for Game 1.
Tkachuk-Stützle-Giroux
Perron-Cozens-Batherson
Greig-Pinto-Amadio
Highmore-Gaudette-Zetterlund
Sanderson-Zub
Chabot-Jensen
Kleven-Matinpalo
Linus Ullmark gets the start in goal.
Puck drop is scheduled for 7:08 PM. The game is available on CBC and Sportsnet and on the radio at TSN1200. This game is far too important to stream.
A word of advice ahead of the start of the playoffs. Enjoy the hell out of it. If there is one thing that the last eight years has taught me, it’s that this is a time of year to be celebrated and that you really shouldn’t take it for granted. Throw a jersey on, grab all the good luck charms you can find, get a car flag on your car, watch the game with your friends and yell a “Go Sens Go” at an unsuspecting stranger. You don’t watch the playoffs. You experience them.
If you’re a comment section lurker, today would be a fine day to stop by with a “Go Sens Go”. And if you’re a regular around these parts, I would love to hear how you plan to celebrate Ottawa’s return to the Stanley Cup playoffs. Kinda need good vibes only today!
Go Sens Go.
