In the minutes leading up to puck drop, the Senators learned that Jason Spezza and Daniel Alfredsson would both be out of the line up in a game where they had an opportunity to lock up a playoff spot.
The Sens responded to the challenge, playing a text book road game and topping the Islanders 5-1. With the win, the Ottawa Senators have punched their ticket to the playoffs ten days from now.
With two of the teams best offensive players out, the Sens got solid performances from the supporting cast. Kyle Turris played what may have been his best game as an Ottawa Senator. He showed terrific patience with the puck all game long and was rewarded with a couple points on the afternoon.
Milan Michalek also had a strong game in the absence of Spezza and Alfie.
Michalek played the part of play maker on Sergei Gonchar's second period tally, hitting the pinching defenceman with a perfect behind the back pass. Not long after that, Michalek scored his 35th of the season to give Ottawa 3-1 lead. Foligno would stretch that lead to 4-1 before the second period ended on a goal assisted by Jesse Winchester who was playing his first game in three months.
Kyle Turris scored his second of the game in the third period toe stretch the Sens lead to 5-1.
Michalek finished the game with a goal and two assists, while Turris ended up with two goals and two assists.
At the start of this season, not one of the so called expert gave this team any chance. Projected to be a cellar dweller by just about everyone, people told us a tough year was ahead for our Sens. But all year long, Paul MacLean's team has proven people wrong and now all that hard work is finally being rewarded.
The Ottawa Senators are headed to the Stanley Cup playoffs.
