It’s been a turbulent week in the ever-changing Atlantic division. Montreal have allowed everyone to compete for the crown, and the lower teams just won’t give up.
Likely no changes to the #Sens line-up tonight with Hoffman out and Stone doubtful. Here's how we're projecting it to look: pic.twitter.com/D2HUIi36OE
— Ottawa Senators (@Senators) February 24, 2017
The still-depleted Sens will look to get shots off early against Eddie Lack who is starting ahead of Cam Ward tonight. However, if there’s one piece of advice that all Sens fans will agree with, it’s to never underestimate the backup. I suppose the Sens are an exception but be wary nonetheless.
Lack possesses an .856 save percentage in seven outings this season. Winning just one of those games.
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With Ron Hainsey being traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins, and Lack in goal, it’s a somewhat level playing field for tonight’s game. The Sens may be down but they have the drive and passion to see out a result this evening. The same cannot be said about the Carolina Hurricanes.
Losing four of their last five in regulation and the other in overtime, they are a deflated team. The tanking is well underway for this organisation who look ready to compete for Nolan Patrick (I am forever getting his name the wrong way round) or Nico Hischier.
Scoring just four times in that five game stretch, they are a team for the taking. The caution would be to beware the wounded beast as they say. However, for me, the Sens can take this game and put it out of contention after two frames.
The Canes will not be able to handle the system, and won’t get the space they are used to, even against the better teams who play free-flowing hockey.
I believe in #TheSystem @Senators
— Marcus Mills (@marcusmills92) February 24, 2017
Marcus speaks for most of the Sens Army. Frustrate the home team, grab an early goal, make the crowd turn against them. A timeless formula that so often never comes to fruition.
The Sens should come out with at least a point this evening, and if they exit with both, they take top spot in the Atlantic.