After a flat performance on Friday night against the Chicago Blackhawks, the Ottawa Senators hope a trip down South will help the team get back on track.
First up for Paul MacLean's group are the Southeast leading Florida Panthers at the Bank Atlantic Center. Both the Sens and the Panthers are in the thick of the East playoff race meaning it will be a huge two points on the line tonight.
The Panthers are in a fight with the Jets, Capitals and now Lightning for the Southeast lead and will be a motivated group on home ice. And while the Sens have a seven point cushion over the 9th place Capitals, Washington has a couple games in hand.
Florida dropped a 3-1 decision to the Nashville Predators last night.
Yesterday, the Sens announced they have called up forward Rob Klinkhammer from Binghamton of the AHL. Acquired from the Hawks in a mid season deal, Klinkhammer has racked up 35 points in 35 games and has really impressed the organization with his work ethic.
With Klinkhammer, who will wear #36 up from Bingo, Zack Smith is expected to be a healthy scratch. Here is how the Sens lined up at the morning skate.
Michalek-Spezza-Butler
Klinkhammer-Turris-Alfredsson
Foligno-O'Brien-Neil
Greening-Konopka-Condra
Kuba- Karlsson
Phillips-Gilroy
Cowen-Gonchar
Robin Lehner will start in goal.
After tonight's game against the Panthers, the Sens are in Tampa on Tuesday night before heading home to take on the Rangers and Sabres to close out the week.
A reminder that puck drop is at 6:00 PM tonight with all the action available on Sportsnet and TVA Sports. And as much as I'll miss the Party City advertisements and the enetertainment from the Panthers cheerleaders, it will be nice to have an actual broadcast from Florida this evening.
