The Ottawa Senators and their fathers have hit the road for a crucial back to back in the state of Florida.
Up first, Steven Stamkos and the Tampa Bay Lightning, a team that is currently on the outside looking in when it comes to the Eastern Conference playoff picture. The Bolts have been playing some quality hockey as of late and should give the Sens all they can handle tonight.
With a crucial game against the Panthers set for Wednesday, Paul MacLean has to make sure his team isn’t looking beyond tonight’s opponent. With the Sens slumping a little bit as of late, that really shouldn’t be a problem. The Lightning have won six of their past ten and have posted an impressive 15-8-2 record on home ice.
Mathieu Garon will start in goal for Tampa.
No changes are expected to the Sens line up which means Craig Anderson will make the start in goal while Zenon Konopka and Matt Carkner will be the healthy scratches. Here is how the Sens are expected to line up.
Michalek-Spezza-Butler
Greening-Turris-Alfie
Daugavins-Smith-Condra
Foligno-O'Brien-Neil
Kuba-Karlsson
Phillips-Gonchar
Cowen-Lee
Puck drop is scheduled for just after 7:00 PM tonight with the game available on Sportsnet and RDS. Keep an eye on the comment section for any streams that pop up a little closer to game time.
- The hockey world is abuzz today with talk that Rick Nash is available leading up to the February 27 trade deadline. Hate to spoil the fun but I do not expect the Sens to be seriously involved, Murray may make a call but apparently it is a long shot to go any further than that. Nash has a massive contract and Murray would have to give up significant assets to get a deal done. Just can’t see it happening.
- With that said, this is the NHL's silly season- what would you be willing to give up to land Rick Nash?
