As the Ottawa Senators get set to host the Maple Leafs tonight at Scotiabank Place, I am packing my bags and headed to Toronto for opening weekend.
I’ll be bringing my Sens jersey with me!
Very intriguing game tonight for a number of reasons. The first being the fact that the Senators finally get to play on a Saturday night. Seems like a really weird trend that developed this year where Ottawa had a number of Saturday’s off. Hope that’s a trend the NHL’s scheduling department breaks next year.
Also, it will be the debut of NCAA star Stephane Da Costa as he pulls on the Sens jersey for the first time. The game will trigger the first year of his two year, two way contract per CBA guidelines. No word on what line he skates on just yet but you would have to assume Clouston uses him in a top six role.
Da Costa will wear #24.
Erik Karlsson will be out of the line up after suffering a cut to his leg against the Panthers. A defeseman will be called up in his place. Colin Greening was sent down yesterday to make room for Da Costa in the Sens line up.
This really is an all or nothing game for the boys in blue and white. The Leafs are currently five points out of the final playoff spot with just four games to go. A loss would essentially end their late season run.
I know fans are worried about draft positioning but winning on Saturday, on home ice, while I’m in the heart of Leaf Nation, to ruin the Leafs playoff aspirations? Sounds pretty good to me!
GO SENS GO!
