With the NHL playoffs now just three short games and a little over a week away, the Ottawa Senators first round opponent is yet to be determined.
And while the percentages seem to strongly suggest it will be a first round battle with the Bruins, there are still games left to play and that includes tonight’s home game against Eric Staal and the Carolina Hurricanes.
The Sens have an outside chance at grabbing sixth in the East but need a favour from the same sad looking Islanders team Ottawa bullied on Sunday afternoon. New Jersey has to lose one of their next two games and the Sens need a win over the Hurricanes to keep that outside shot at sixth alive.
While there is still plenty to play for on the ice, tonight will be a unique chance for Sens fans to show their appreciation for a team that was dismissed by the experts at the start of the season. Not only should Ottawa fans applaud the fact that the Senators will be returning to the playoffs this spring, but tonight also marks the fan led initiative, “A Tribute to Daniel Alfredsson”
For those of you that have yet to join the Facebook Event, here is how it’s going to work. Beginning at 11:11 of the first period, fans are asked to countdown from ten, and then burst out into an Alfie chant. The Captain has done so much for this team throughout his career and this is just a fun way for the fans to say thanks.
If tonight is a success, I could see this happening again at future home games.
The Sens were on the ice for the morning skate ahead of tonight’s tilt with the Hurricanes and were joined by Ben Bishop. Bishop's injury is improving but he's still not quite ready Sergei Gonchar was not at the morning skate and we'll rest a minor lower body injury. Here is how are expected to line up.
Greening-Spezza-Michalek
Foligno-Turris-Alfredsson
Condra-Smith-Neil
Daugavins-O'Brien-Winchester
Kuba-Karlsson
Phillips-Gilroy
Cowen-Carkner
Craig Anderson gets the start in the Ottawa goal. Puck drop is scheduled for just after 7:30 PM with the broadcast available on Sportsnet and TVA Sports. Keep an eye on the comment section for an online stream.
