After a disappointing performance on Thursday night, the Ottawa Senators will look to earn the split with a win in Madison Square Garden tonight.
While the Senators looked good at times during Game 1, a six minute stretch was their undoing. Ottawa will need a complete sixty minute effort if they are going to even this best of seven tonight in New York.
With the first game jitters out of the way, the Senators will obviously be looking to take their game to another level. Look for the Sens to establish more of a physical presence in the early going as that was certainly an element lacking on Thursday night.
An improved power play will also be critical to Ottawa's success. They were an ugly 0 for 5 in the series opener and really struggled to gain the Ranger line with control of the puck.
After the trio was able to have some success late in Game 1, MacLean may load up the top line to start, putting Alfredsson with Michalek and Spezza. While the combinations have changed, no line up changes are expected. Carkner, Butler, Klinkhammer and Konopka are healthy scratches. Here is how the Sens lined up at the morning skate.
Michalek-Spezza-Alfredsson
Foligno-Turris-Condra
Greening-Smith-Neil
Daugavins-O'Brien-Winchester
Kuba-Karlsson
Phillips-Gilroy
Cowen- Gonchar
Puck drop is scheduled for just after 7:00 PM with the game available on CBC. For those looking to stream, check the CBC website as they will have the game available there.
- While Mika Zibanejad is unlikely to join the team after suffering a possible concussion, it does sound like Mark Stone will be hanging around for the playoff run. The Sens organization likes the idea of having the young guys around to learn a little bit about the playoff experience at the pro level. The organization could get another boost in the very near future in the form of Jakob Silfverberg if Brynas can wrap up their series this weekend.
- In other Sens related news, the organization has renewed their affiliation with Binghamton for another three years. While it has been an ugly year down on the farm, this is great news for the city of Binghamton. Had a chance to go down there a couple times during last year's Calder Cup run and I can tell you, that city loves their hockey team. Great to hear the team will be staying there for the foreseeable future.
