Ottawa Senators @ Florida Panthers – Game 71 Preview
Ottawa finishes up their 3 game mini road trip with an opportunity to complete the Florida sweep after finally getting a win on Monday night.
(29-29-13, 71 points) 6th Atlantic Divison
VS
(26-38-8, 60 points) 7th Atlantic Division
7:30 PM
BB&T Center
TV: Rogers Sportsnet RADIO: TSN1200
MATCHUP HISTORY
This is the final meeting of the 4 scheduled this season. Ottawa holds a 2-1 edge in the series, winning the first two by scores of 3-2 and 4-2, and the Panthers taking the last match 4-2.
Dec 19, 2013; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; Florida Panthers goalie Scott Clemmensen (30) makes a save on a shot from Ottawa Senators right wing Bobby Ryan (6) in the second period at the Canadian Tire Centre. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports
LAST GAMES
Ottawa snapped a 6 game winless skid with a 4-3 win over the Tampa Bay Lightning on Monday night. The Panthers return home on a 3 game losing streak after a tough trip through Phoenix and southern California that culminated in a 6-2 loss to the Anaheim Ducks on Sunday.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Patrick Wiercioch, OTT – A healthy scratch since the March 5 loss to the Flames, Wiercioch should draw into the lineup with Chris Phillips leaving last night’s game due to injury. Wiercioch has 17 points in 42 games this season, a year marked by long stretches in the coach’s doghouse.
Jesse Winchester, FLA – The former Senators forward has more than doubled his career high in goals with 9 so far this season, after playing last year in Finland. He has been limited to just 42 games and is coming off an injury that has sidelined him for a couple of weeks.
TOP 3 STORYLINES FOR THE GAME
1. Pride – Neither team has much to play for besides showing they give a damn.
2. Karlsson’s Chase – While a Norris Trophy is not likely due to a dreadful plus/minus rating, Erik Karlsson set a franchise record for blueliners with his 20th goal of the season last night, and now has 68 points in 71 games, 13 more than Duncan Keith.
3. Back To Back – Robin Lehner should get another start after finally getting a win. He can gain some much needed confidence going forward with a second win in as many nights