After a seemingly endless lull in the schedule, the Ottawa Senators are finally back in action this afternoon when they visit John Tavares and New York Islanders.
The Sens will look to carry over the positive momentum gained from convincing wins in Tampa Bay and Florida during the middle of last week. Jason Spezza racked up 7 points over a two game span and will look to keep rolling on the Island.
For the Islanders, the reality of another season outside of the playoffs is starting to set in. They are six points back of the final playoff spot but with so many teams between them and the final eight, it could be tough for them to play their way back into the mix.
With that said, the Isles have picked up six wins in their last ten games and scored an overtime win over the Senators the last time the two teams met.
Meanwhile the Senators remain in the thick of things in the East and finally return to the ice after a long four days of scoreboard watching. The teams behind them, including the Capitals, Panthers and Leafs are all struggling and are finally starting to close the games in hand gap. While those teams have been sliding, the Winnipeg Jets have played themselves back into contention with three straight wins.
The Senators practiced yesterday and MacLean indicated he will go with the same line up as the two games in Florida. That means Konopka and Carkner will remain the healthy scratches and Craig Anderson will start in goal. Here is how the Sens are expected to line up.
Michalek-Spezza-Butler
Greening-Turris-Alfie
Daugavins-Smith-Condra
Foligno-O'Brien-Neil
Kuba-Karlsson
Phillips-Gonchar
Cowen-Lee
Thanks to the wonderfully mysterious holiday that is Family Day, Sens fans will get to enjoy some afternoon Sens hockey on this holiday Monday. Puck drop is scheduled for just after 1:00 PM with all the action available on Sportsnet.
Keep an eye on the comment section for a stream.
- This time of year, fans and media often watch the scouting list in hopes of determining who might be talking deal. For those interested, the Sens had a scout at last night's Avalanche/Jets game and have had a scout at the last couple Columbus Blue Jackets games. Take that news with a grain of salt.
