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Ottawa Senators: Florida Panthers Pregame Thoughts

By Conor Peniston-Bird

Jan 31, 2017; Sunrise, FL, USA; Ottawa Senators center Derick Brassard (19) scores a goal against the Florida Panthers during the third period at BB&T Center. The Florida Panthers defeat the Ottawa Senators 6-5. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 31, 2017; Sunrise, FL, USA; Ottawa Senators center Derick Brassard (19) scores a goal against the Florida Panthers during the third period at BB&T Center. The Florida Panthers defeat the Ottawa Senators 6-5. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports /
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Here we are, game three of the road trip. The business end, divisional match-ups.

Tonight’s matchup is another nerve-wracking tightly fought game in the topsy turvy Atlantic. Spirits are somewhat deflated after the crushing loss to the Carolina Hurricanes. It would seem whenever the Ottawa Senators get into a position of playoff and potentially divisional security, they find a way to blow it.

It’s that feeling of letting air out of a balloon, but Sens fans shouldn’t feel like this. They’re in an amazing position, and by that I mean second in the Atlantic. Finishing second would lead to a divisional opponent in the first round of the playoffs. Who wouldn’t fancy Toronto, to break the curse that has been placed on that post-season matchup.

Florida Form

They’ve been excellent, there’s no other way to put it. The return of Aleksander Barkov has been nothing but a miracle for the sunrisers. Last ten games, 7-3-0 tied with Boston for the most inform team in the Atlantic. Only Washington and the New York Rangers have been better.

Florida have lost their last two games however. The Edmonton Oilers and then the Calgary Flames. The Panthers are currently on a four-game home stand and it hasn’t quite gone to plan for them thus far.

The viewpoint from Florida will be one of confidence that they can end their two-game slide, and get the fans at the BB&T center cheering again. Much is made of the empty seats in that center, but that couldn’t be further from Ottawa’s concerns.

Aleksander Barkov

The twenty-one year old center has missed 15 games this season through injury. That hasn’t stopped him from remaining second in the Panthers scoring. 37 points in 45 games is an unbelievable statistic.

The 2nd overall pick of the 2013 draft can change a game on his own, and has most certainly aided the Florida revival.

Predictions

An incredibly difficult game to attempt to forecast, but going on the last time the Sens were shutout, things did not improve.

An increased effort is needed tonight, and the system restored. If those two things come into play, the Sens have a huge chance of winning. Right now, making it to overtime would be a success.

Next: Hurricane Setback

Prediction: Senators overtime win.

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