The Ottawa Senators begin a 13 game winning streak and march to the playoffs this afternoon against the Dallas Stars.
Ok, so maybe that’s not so likely but with just 13 games left in their season, it’s time for the Senators to play with a little pride and get their game back on track before the season ends. The Anaheim Ducks currently hold their first round pick and nobody wants to see that end up as a Lottery pick. To avoid that worst case scenario, the Sens have to find a way to rack up some points down the stretch.
And it starts this afternoon in Dallas.
While Ottawa is playing for pride, the Stars are getting set for one of the biggest games of their season. They currently trail the Phoenix Coyotes by just four points for the final wild card spot in the Western Conference and have a game in hand. The Stars have lost four straight coming into this afternoon, giving up 20 goals along the way. In fact, both teams have had a heck of a time keeping the puck out of their own net lately. Ottawa has given up 21 goals in their last four.
Paul MacLean met with the media this morning and was a little vague about potential line up changes. Patrick Wiercioch has been scratched for the last six games and really should be back in the line up this afternoon. We’ll have to wait until game time to know for sure. Here is how the Senators are expected to line up.
MacArthur-Turris-Ryan
Michalek-Spezza-Hemsky
Greening-Smith-Neil
Hoffman-Zibanejad-Condra
Methot-Karlsson
Phillips-Ceci
Cowen-Wiercioch
Robin Lehner gets the start in the Ottawa goal. Puck drop is scheduled for just after 3:00 PM.
