With just seven games left in the regular season, the Ottawa Senators still find their playoff chances up in the air.
And while the Sens greatly increased their post-season chances with big wins in Philadelphia and New Jersey, they still have some work to do before they punch their ticket to the dance later this month. Next up, a Monday night date with those damn Boston Bruins.
The website Sports Club Stats, which usually finds its way into my regular web browsing this time of year, has the Ottawa Senators at 97.3% chance of making the playoffs. That percentage had dipped to 80% prior to the Sens snapping that ugly five game winning streak. And while a percentage north of 97% isn't a sure thing, it does mean the Sens control their own fate over this next stretch.
The remaining seven games on the schedule include two on the road, and five within the firendly confines of Scotiabank Place where the Senators have posted a 13-3-3 record this season.
at Boston
vs Carolina
vs Washington
vs Toronto
vs Pittsburgh
at Washington
vs Philadelphia
The Sens were on the ice for practice today at the Sensplex and were without Daniel Alfredsson and Milan Michalek who both took maintenance days. Jared Cowen practiced and while he's closing in on a return, he has yet to tell the Senators that he feels comfortable enough to play. Some more good news on the injury front as apparently Erik Karlsson has returned from a couple days at The Masters and skated in full gear today.
Still no official timeline on a potential return but I'm certainly not prepared to rule out a return this season. Meanwhile Coach MacLean announced that Craig Anderson would get the start in goal vs. Boston.
- Thanks to everyone that took the time to enter this morning's contest sponsored by The613.com. I'll be taking some time to sort through the entries this afternoon and will draw the two winners by 3:00 PM. Winners will be contacted via email.
- When the Ottawa Senators dealt for Marc Methot this off season, Sens fans knew they were getting a solid defenceman. But even the most optimistic of fans has to be thoroughly impressed with the season Methot has put together. Methot is logging more than 22 minutes a night and has been extremely steady defensively. His breakout season apparently has him in the mix for Canada's Olympic selection camp.
