Ottawa Senators @ Tampa Bay Lightning: Game 71 Preview
The Senators continue their southern road trip against the Tampa Bay Lightning. We’ll see if they can
keep their playoff hopes alive
avoid giving Anaheim a top 10 pick.
(28-29-13, 69 pts) 6th Atlantic Division
VS
(39-24-8, 86 pts) 2nd Atlantic Division
7:30 PM
Tampa Bay Times Forum
TV: Rogers Sportsnet, Radio: TSN1200
MATCHUP HISTORY
This is the fifth and final game between these two teams. Ottawa has yet to beat the Lightning this season, losing all four previous games. The Senators only managed one point in those four losses.
Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports
LAST GAMES
The Senators are coming off a 3-1 loss to the Dallas Stars on Saturday afternoon. Erik Karlsson opened to scoring to give Ottawa a 1-0 lead, but the Stars scored three unanswered. The Lightning also played on Saturday, in a loss to the Penguins in overtime.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Erik Karlsson, OTT – He is only one goal away from setting the franchise record for most goals by a defenseman in a season. He currently has 19 goals, the same as his Norris winning season, and in eleven games less.
Steven Stamkos, TB – The Lightning have a team filled with players having a great season, but Steven Stamkos is at the top of that list. Despite the fact that he’s only played 26 games, he has 20 goals, and 32 points.
TOP 3 STORYLINES OF THE GAME
1. Big Ben – Man, do the Senators ever miss Ben Bishop. After last year, everyone figured the Sens were set in goal, even without Bishop, who had shown great promise. Craig Anderson and Robin Lehner would get the job done. Both have had disappointing seasons, and Bishop has set the Lightning franchise record for wins in a season. Bishop has yet to lose against the Senators, and will definitely want to continue that streak. And of course Cory Conacher, who was the return for Bishop, was claimed off waivers by the Buffalo Sabres.
2. No More Bobby? – Bobby Ryan left Saturday’s game in serious pain, and will likely miss Monday’s game. If his season is done, a lot of people seem to be convinced that we’ve seen him in a Senators jersey for the last time. He’s said that he’s still a huge Flyers fan, and if that isn’t a “subtle” way of saying “I’d rather be there right now”, then I don’t know what is. Bryan Murray may want to move him this summer instead of waiting for the trade deadline or next year’s draft. I don’t think any of us are expecting next year to be a good season points-wise.
3. One Of Those Teams? – We all know, and hate those teams. The teams that won’t be making the playoffs, but suddenly decide to start winning once they’re in their last ten games just to annoy their opponents. Is this the Sens? Can they only deliver when there’s no pressure?