22-22-3, 12th in the Eastern Conference

VS.

24-16-6, 7th in the Eastern Conference (Clinched)

Puck Drop: 7:00 PM

TV: CBC, RADIO: Team 1200

HEAD TO HEAD

Earlier this month the Senators and the Flyers squared off for game two for their season series. Ottawa took the game 3-1, bringing the series square. After punching their ticket to the playoffs last night, the boys will be looking to take the series win and guarantee a playoff berth above the New York Islanders. The last time the teams met, the go ahead goal was scored by Sergei Gonchar, snapping the 5 game losing streak the team had found themselves in.

Jan 08, 2012; Ottawa, ON, CAN; Philadelphia Flyers left wing Scott Hartnell (19) is checked by Ottawa Senators defenseman Sergei Gonchar (55) in the first period at Scotiabank Place. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports

(Picture above: Ole Magic Hands is a big fan of #HartnellDown)

LAST GAMES

Do I need to do this? We all remember the last game right? It got underway, and I mean really got underway with an Erik Karlsson blast from the point, with a slick little deflection by Jakob Silfverberg. It was all very pretty, especially because that pass came from King K. While the first two periods were fairly even from a gameplay perspective, the third period was an absolute blowout, which is surprising because only Washington Scored. Ottawa was all over the Capitals and came out in the third as an entirely different team. The boys took the game 2-1 in overtime off a Karlsson pass to Gonchar who potted a Power Play goal. Also of note, capitalization on the Power Play, they started slow, but started to gel, so I’ll tentatively give them the capitals.

Philadelphia meanwhile actually did Ottawa a favour in their last game. A 2-1 victory over the New York Islanders kept the seeding race alive and well. The Flyers have been playing well and in the game looked like they were embracing their role as spoilers, which is important because they didn’t really have much to cheer about for the rest of the season.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Erik “#lalala” Karlsson – OTT – I know, it’s a repeat of last games player to watch but just hear me out. Karlsson had 2 points in his return to the ice. He had 2 points and he complained his gameplay wasn’t good enough. The kid is 2 things, all heart, and a perfectionist. Keep your eyes peeled for him to keep pushing himself for th playoffs. Also, there’s chemistry between him and Silfverberg and some Mika Zibanejad. I’m also eyeing a Zibby breakout tonight.

Wayne Simmonds – PHI – The last time these two teams met up, Simmonds was doing what he does best, being a threat. He was buzzing around the net. To be fair, he’s always a threat, but the last 2 times we’ve played them he has looked like a solid player out there.

3 STORYLINES FOR THE GAME

- THE. POWER. PLAY. Just because I gave the team capitals today, does not mean I won’t take them away by the end of the night. Don’t push me, I may, or may not have the authority for this. Having King K back means there’s some more fluid movement going around between the pointmen and the high forward. Tonight, let’ hope Kyle Turris aims half an inch to the left and avoids the post. If the team can get this power play going as we approach the playoffs they become just that much more dangerous.

- Heart. The win put them into the playoffs. There’s only 2 games left in the season now and this is where the heart and soul that the PeskySens have embodied will really pay off. The team needs to push the pedal down just a little further, not let off.

- The Spoilers. Philadelphia has officially zero chance of making the playoffs. We’ve known that for awhile. The Eastern Conference playoff picture is finalized as far as teams. Seeding still matters and because of that one simple fact, the Flyers have something to play for. Ottawa needs to watch out for this, as much as they’re going to play pedal down, the Flyers will be doing the same.

CLARKE’S BOLD GAME PREDICTION

There are 2 things I know for sure. Marc Methot was seriously excited to make the playoffs. Seriously, I will not let this go until every has seen it and spent time, endlessly basking in the glory of his hulk up shout. The second thing? Mika Zibanejad likes putting pucks in nets. Tonight is a 2 goal night, that’s my call.

PARTING SHOT

Maybe there will be an injection of levity amongst the team. Maybe the team will overflow with the heart and soul, but tonight’s game is so much more important than the game against Washington. It doesn’t have the same must win implications, but it has playoffs implications. If the team wants to make a deep run into the second season, they need to go into it swinging, and tonight is their chance to prove theres no clinching hangover.

As always, GO SENS GO!

Apr 16, 2013; Ottawa, ON, CAN; Carolina Hurricanes centre Tuomo Ruutu (15) is knocked off the puck by Ottawa Senators defenseman Jared Cowen (2) following a rebound by goalie Craig Anderson (41) in the third period at Scotiabank Place. The Senators defeated the Hurricanes 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports

Which brings me to Jared Cowen.  In just two games back from hip surgery that was supposed to keep him out of the lineup until next fall, he has demonstrated ability that you always wanted from Phillips.

Cowen shows now signs of sitting back and easing himself back into the game, he has jumped in with both feet. His hit on Jeff Skinner on Tuesday was game-changing, as was his pair of fights that occurred after that hit.  He had another big hit on Thursday against the Capitals, and he also spent a considerable amount of time on the cycle in the offensive zone.

Cowen’s combination of skill and  “mean streak” that he has shown the last couple of games is just what the Senators have needed on their blue line since Zdeno Chara left.  Phillips and Anton Volchenkov could play physical at times, but didn’t really have the constant mean streak where opponents would fear coming down the wing on them.  I think as the months and years go on, Cowen will develop that reputation and will make opposing forwards keep their head on a swivel and prehaps make them dish the puck sooner than they would usually like to.

He is still very young and will have his growing pains, but it will be fun to watch him continue to develop. Cowen has already added more than most people expected from so soon after his surgery.  And he will only get better.