On the heels of an impressive weekend where they registered wins over the Buffalo Sabres and the Winnipeg Jets, the Ottawa Senators look to continue their strong play when visit the Islanders tonight in Long Island.
The Sens come into the game holding down the 5th spot in the Eastern Conference which has them 7 points clear of the New York Islanders, who currently find themselves in 9th place and on the playoff bubble in the East. Needless to say but another huge two points on the line tonight.
Tonight marks the third and final meeting between the Senators and Islanders this season. Their last meeting came back on March 3rd when the Islanders edged Ottawa in the shootout, 3-2. Long Island has played well as of late, registering a 5-3-2 record in their past ten, including back to back road wins over the Lightning and Panthers.
MacLean will make one change to his line up tonight and it comes in goal.
Despite a strong performance by Lehner on Sunday against the Jets, Ben Bishop will get the nod against the Isles. It can obviously change from game to game but you’d have to think Robin Lehner returns to the crease on Thursday against the Bruins. Evgeni Nabokov gets the start for the Islanders.
Kaspars Daugavins is the odd man out up front. Here is how the Senators lined up at the morning skate.
Latendresse-Smith-Alfredsson
Greening-Turris-Silfverberg
Condra-Zibanejad-Neil
Kassian-Regin-O’Brien
Methot-Gryba
Wiercioch-Gonchar
Phillips-Benoit
Puck drop is scheduled for just after 7:00 PM with the game available on Sportsnet and on the radio at the Team 1200.
GO SENS GO!
- Yesterday Senators forward Kyle Turris was named the NHL’s Second Star after an impressive week that included four goals and two assists for six points in four games this passed week. This team is a lot more dangerous offensively when Turris is playing well.
- One interesting to name to consider on the trade market could be Stars forward Jaromir Jagr. While the Stars are still in the hunt for a playoff spot in the West, his combination of offensive ability and expiring contract would likely be worth consideration. You'd have to think a few teams line up if the Stars decide to move him.
- As I suggested on Twitter yesterday, some bad news for forward Milan Michalek. He had surgery on his injured knee today and there is no set timetable for his return. The Senators remain hopeful he could return in time for the playoffs.
