With that ugly losing streak in the rearview mirror, the Ottawa Senators look to start a streak of a different kind.
The Sens are right back at it tonight as they visit a struggling New Jersey Devils team. Jersey has really hit a wall without Kovalchuk in their line up, losing eight straight and sliding out of the playoff picture in the East. Meanwhile the Sens will have one of their best goal scorers back in action for the first time in over a month.
The Devils currently sit in 10th in the Eastern Conference, trailing Ottawa by six points. It's another massive two points on the line on Friday night. A win on Friday would all but end the Devils chances of making the playoffs.
Considering both the Winnipeg Jets and the New York Islanders won on Thursday night, Ottawa's win over the Flyers was a huge one. Not only did it snap that ugly five game losing streak but it also helped the Sens maintain their cushion over the teams behind them in the standings.
With just eight games left in the season, the Sens likely need to win four games to ensure they hang on to their playoff spot.
The Senators offence should get a boost tonight as forward Milan Michalek returns to the Ottawa line up. Michalek had surgery on his knee and has not played since March 8th. Obviously a significant addition to an offence that has been struggling to score goals as of late.
The Sens just held an optional skate this morning but here is how the coach plans to line them up.
Anderson
Methot-Gryba
Wiercioch-Gonchar
Benoit-Phillips
Michalek-Turris-Alfredsson
Conacher-Zibanejad-Silfverberg
Greening-Pageau-Condra
Latendresse-Smith-Neil
Robin Lehner was sharp for the Senators last night but in the back to back situation, Paul MacLean will go back to Craig Anderson in this one. Martin Brodeur is expected to start for the Devils.
Puck drop is just after 7:00 PM.
GO SENS GO!
