Just seven games remaining in a disappointing 2015-2016 regular season.
While the teams at the top of the conference jostle for playoff positioning, the Ottawa Senators are left to reflect on an incredibly frustrating year. Instead of playing meaningful games down the stretch, the Sens are left to play out the string. Seven games to go.
Tonight, the Sens play host to a Western Conference contender in the Anaheim Ducks.
After a tough start to their season, the Ducks have been on of the league’s top teams in the second half. Their offence is led by the three-pronged attack that is Ryan Getzlaf, Corey Perry and Ryan Kesler. And while those three are counted on to provide the majority of the production, they have depth throughout their line up.
I don’t know if this team is quite as good as Chicago, Los Angeles or even Dallas but they’ll certainly be a tough out come playoff time. Although I’d like to go on the record now- San Jose will beat the Ducks in Round One if those two teams end up playing each other.
Dave Cameron will make a couple changes up front. Chris Neil draws back in while Scott Gomez comes out. Nick Paul will shift to centre for tonight’s game. Really interested to see how he looks, especially in shifts against Getzlaf and Kesler. Great test for the kid. Here’s how the Senators are expected to line up for this one.
Smith-Pageau-Stone
Hoffman-Zibanejad-Chiasson
Dzingel-Paul-Ryan
Puempel-Lazar-Neil
Methot-Karlsson
Claesson-Ceci
Kostka-Wideman
Craig Anderson gets the start in the Ottawa goal. Puck drop is scheduled for just after 7:00 PM.
