Two days after a spirited rally against the high-flying Pittsburgh Penguins, the Senators continue their five game homestand against the lowly Edmonton Oilers.
It has been another disaster of a season for the Oilers although the possibility of landing a top two pick in June has to be pretty attractive at this point. And granted all those high picks haven’t helped them much to this point but when it’s one of Connor McDavid or Jack Eichel, it’s certainly going to be a player that will help turn their fortunes around. Eventually.
For some reason, when I woke up this morning I accidentally checked the Wild Card standings instead of the usual league-view I’ve been using for the last few weeks. Heading into today’s action the Senators sit 11 points back of the Bruins for the final playoff spot. And with two games in hands…Nahhhhh, there’s no chance.
Well technically there’s about a 5.6% chance but really, there’s no chance.
With the early start, there’s no morning skate although yesterday’s practice suggested there would be a couple changes to the Ottawa line up.
Jared Cowen skated as an extra and looks like he’ll take a turn as a healthy scratch. His game has improved since his early season struggles but the reality is he’s still nowhere near where the organization wants him to be. Maybe another game in the pressbox will help him reset a little bit. Up front, Jean Gabriel Pageau appeared like he may be the odd man out again but Clarke MacArthur is sick and not able to play. Here’s a best guess at the Ottawa line up although I’m not sure what Cameron will do with that third line.
Michalek-Turris-Stone
Hoffman-Zibanejad-Ryan
Pageau-Lazar-Chiasson
Condra-Legwand-Neil
Methot-Karlsson
Borowiecki-Gryba
Wiercioch-Ceci
Robin Lehner gets the start in the Ottawa goal. Puck drop is scheduled for just after 2:00 PM as part of the annual Hockey Day in Canada.
