After an impressive 4-1 win over the Buffalo Sabres on Tuesday night, the Sens are back on the ice at Scotiabank Place for a showdown with the Florida Panthers.
The surprising Panthers are the top dog in the Southeast Division and sit just four points out of the conference lead. Florida has posted a 5-3-2 record in their past ten outings.
The rise of the Florida Panthers has been one of the most fascinating stories in the NHL this season. While they still seem to be flying under the radar, the fact that they are in the mix for the lead in the East has to come as a surprise. They made some aggressive moves in the off season but I don't know that anyone thought they would be this good.
Led by solid goaltending by Jose Theodore and a breakout season by Kris Versteeg, the Panthers should give the Sens all they can handle tonight.
The Sens come into tonight's action with 36 points, good enough for 8th in the Eastern Conference. Although with a win tonight Ottawa could finish the night as high as 6th.
MacLean will make at least one change to his line up as Jesse Winchester will not be available after suffering a concussion on Tuesday. Bobby Butler takes his spot in the line up. Milan Michalek was on the ice this morning but is still wearing the non-contact sweater. Michalek says he's feeling fine but still plans to wait until after the holiday break to make his return.
Some surprising news out of practice this morning as apparently Peter Regin as re-injured his shoulder and is considering surgery. No timeline for his return but this is obviously a major setback for the forward.
MacLean plans to go with seven defenceman against the Panthers.
Craig Anderson gets the start in goal. Still tickets left for this one so go to www.capitaltickets.ca for more info. Puck drop is just after 7:30 PM tonight with the action available on SportsnetSens.
- Some surprising news this morning as we learned that Ottawa 67's star and Sens prospect Shane Prince did not make the final roster for Team USA. He was named to the original roster but did not make it through the final cuts.
