Game Day: OTT @ CAR

15th East (27-36-9)VS.9th East (33-29-10)

Your Ottawa Senators begin their mini two game road trip as they take on the Carolina Hurricanes tonight. With ten games left in the season, Ottawa will look to finish the season on a good note. Winning six out of their last ten games, Ottawa has been able to surprise teams that overlook them due to their record. Ottawa has beaten Tampa Bay and New Jersey twice in their last seven games and have proved they cannot be taken lightly.

With Carolina battling for the last playoff spot with Buffalo and Toronto, tonight’s game is a must-win. Being only three points out of 8th place in the East, Carolina must keep pace as both BUF and T.O. play tonight too. Having lost three out of their last five games, Carolina has to get back on track if they have any hopes in making the playoffs.

Getting his third start in a row, Curtis McElhinney hopes to follow in Craig Anderson’s footsteps and earn a contract with Ottawa for next season. Going 3-0 in his three starts for Ottawa, McElhinney has stopped 102 out of 106 shots that  he has faced. 

With Sergei Gonchar receiving a concussion last game, Ottawa has called up prospect Patrick Wiercioch. The 20 yr old has been playing his first year of pro hockey with the AHL Binghamton Senators and has put up four goals and 12 assists in 63 games. This will be the offensive-minded defenceman’s NHL debut and will give him a taste of what it will take to make it to the next level.  

Players to Watch

Ottawa – Patrick Wiercioch will make his NHL debut tonight and will look to impress Sens management. With other defensive prospects nipping at his tail (Runblad and Cowen), Wiercioch will hopefully show the team why he should not be forgotten.

Carolina – Cam Ward hit the 30 win mark for the fourth time in his career since he was named the starter five seasons ago. With a .921 SV%, Ward is the main reason why Carolian is in the playoff picture each year.

Keys to a Ottawa Victory

Shut down Staal– Eric Staal seems to always have a big game against Ottawa (I don’t know what we did to him). With four goals and three assists in this season’s previous three games, Chris Phillips will have a big job tonight.

Traffic – Cam Ward is an All-Star goalie. Ottawa will need to get as much traffic in front of him as possible tonight and hope to score some garbage goals.

Hustle – Ottawa has been able to surprise teams lately with their speed and hustle. With jobs open for next season, everyone needs to bring a 60-minute effort tonight.   

Check back here after the game for a recap of tonight’s action. Enjoy the game and GO SENS GO!!!_______________________________________________________________________________

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