Don’t look now but suddenly the surging Buffalo Sabres sit just four points back of the Ottawa Senators in the tightening Eastern Conference standings.
A once comfortable Sens team now needs to start racking up points in a hurry if they are going to secure a playoff spot this spring. The Senators play a tough back to back this weekend- Friday they are in Montreal and Saturday they play host to the surging Pittsburgh Penguins.
With just eight games left, scoreboard watching has become more important than ever with the Capitals and the Sabres nipping at the Sens heels. Here is the remaining schedule facing the teams in the thick of the East playoff race.
Panthers 85 (8)- EDM, NYI, @Mtl, @Min, @Clb, @Det, WPG, @Wsh
Devils 89 (8)- TOR, @Pit, CHI, TBL, @Car, NYI, @Det, OTT
Senators 84 (8)- @Mtl, PIT, @Wpg, @Phi, @Nyi, CAR, BOS, @Nj
Capitals 81 (8)- WPG, MIN, BUF, @Bos, MTL, @Tbl, FLA, @Nyr
Sabres 80 (8)- @Nyr, MIN, @Wsh, PIT, @Tor, TOR, @Phi, @Bos
Remember that in the case of a tie, the first tiebreaker is regulation + overtime wins.
The Senators were on the ice for a short 20 minute practice this morning at SBP and were joined by centre Jason Spezza. Spezza missed the game on Tuesday night and was not available for practice yesterday and while he wouldn't guarantee anything, he should be good to go tomorrow night in Montreal.
More good news for the Sens out of practice this morning as Craig Anderson spent the practice in the starters net while Bishop and Auld shared the other. Anderson addressed the media and said he feels good but would not say whether or not he'll go tomorrow night.
It sure sounds like Anderson could start tomorrow in Montreal.
- Another strong outing for Robin Lehner last night as he recorded 41 saves in a shutout win for the Binghamton Senators. Kudos to Lehner for going down to the AHL and working hard over this recent stretch. Spoke with a contact the other day who suggested that while Lehner was here, Daniel Alfredsson spoke to him one on one about staying focused and working hard to earn that next call up. It sure seems like the message got through.
- Sens prospect Jakob Silfverberg continues to shine in the Swedish Elite League playoffs. He scored two goals last night, including the overtime winner, to send his Brynas team to the next round of the SEL playoffs. Silfverberg has 9 points in 6 playoff games.
