Their seven game road trip certainly didn’t end the way they expected, delayed as a result of the tragic events in Boston, but regardless, the Sens have finally returned home.
The game against the Bruins will be made up towards the end of the season, possibly on April 28th, but for now the Ottawa Senators shift their focus to the visiting Carolina Hurricanes. With just seven games to go in the regular season, and with teams close in the rear view, the Sens need to keep picking up points during the final two weeks of the season.
The Hurricanes are your classic "out of the playoff picture reduced to spoiler role" team. They have won just twice in their past ten games and on the surface, look like a team Ottawa should beat. But as the Sens learned on their recent five game losing streak, there are no easy games in this league. Add to that the fact that the Hurricanes have historically played well against Ottawa including both games this season and four straight overall. This is a game the Senators should have no problem getting up for.
Traditionally, the first game back after a lengthy road trip is a tough one for teams but the Sens tried to address that concern by returning home for a couple days after the win in New Jersey. That allowed players to get settled at home and refocus on this last stretch of games.
The Sens will get a huge boost tonight as Jared Cowen returns to the lineup to play his first game of the season. After early season hip surgery it sounded like Cowen’s year was done but he has been working hard during his rehab and in practice and is ready to make a somewhat surprising return. He’ll be paired with Eric Gryba to start. Here is how the Sens are expected to line up
Anderson
Phillips-Methot
Cowen-Gryba
Wiercioch-Gonchar
Michalek-Turris-Alfredsson
Conacher-Zibanejad-Silfverberg
Greening-Pageau-Condra
Latendresse-Smith-Neil
The Sens will wear their black heritage jerseys tonight. Puck drop is scheduled for just after 7:30 PM.
GO SENS GO!
- The Sens have released the latest version of their prospect report. Of note is the fact that both Cody Ceci and Matt Puempel had their seasons end over the weekend. Nothing official from the organization but it sounds like the plan is for the two of them to report to Binghamton. Also take a look at first round pick Stefan Noesen who is having a hell of a playoff with Plymouth. 15 points in 10 games and on his way to OHL’s Western Conference Championship.
