The Ottawa Senators are one of the hottest teams in the entire NHL.
Tonight, they go head to head with THE hottest team in the NHL- the first place New York Rangers. With just two regulation losses in their last 23 games combined, the Sens and Rangers will meet tonight under the bright lights of Broadway.
After missing a game and yesterday’s practice, Erik Karlsson is expected to be in the line up for the Senators tonight. The Sens did a nice job without him in Pittsburgh but having Karlsson back is huge, especially against a team that forechecks as well as the Rangers do.
The Sens and Rangers have met twice this season with each team winning a game in the other’s barn. In late October, the Sens executed one of their text book third period comebacks, rallying from a 4-1 third period deficit on their way to an eventual 5-4 shootout win. The Senators didn’t look intimidated by the stage at MSG that night and I don’t expect tonight to be any different.
The Rangers have posted an incredible 13-3-2 record on home ice this season.
With Karlsson re-entering the line up, Matt Carkner will sit. Daniel Alfredsson missed yesterday’s practice but will play tonight. Here is how the Sens are expected to line up against the Rangers.
Greening-Spezza-Michalek
Condra-Turris-Alfredsson
Foligno-Smith-Neil
Daugavins-Konopka-Butler
Kuba-Karlsson
Cowen-Gonchar
Phillips-Lee
Craig Anderson gets the start in the Ottawa goal.
The Senators come into this one ranked 5th in the Eastern Conference and are six points clear of the slumping Pittsburgh Penguins who currently sit ninth. While that is a fairly significant gap, the Sens have still played more games than the teams around them in the standings so points are extremely important.
Puck drop is scheduled for just after 7:00 PM with all the action available on Sportsnet and TVA Sports.
- Something interesting to watch for tonight- Wojtek Wolski may be in the line up for the Rangers if Brandon Dubinsky can't play. Last time he faced the Sens, he caught Alfie with a cheapshot that knocked the Ottawa Captain out of the line up. Don't be surprised if someone goes looking for him tonight.
