The Ottawa Senators will be much happier to face this Minnesota Wild side than the successful version of it earlier in the season.
Ottawa are still reeling from their shootout loss to the Philadelphia Flyers, a game that was evidently for the taking. In this 82 game race the teams currently behind are rapidly catching up. Just like a horse race, don’t count your eggs until you’ve crossed the line.
A loss for the Ottawa Senators and a win for the Toronto Maple Leafs would leave the blue side of Ontario just two points away from the reds. A month ago this would have seemed preposterous but the Sens keep offering up opportunities to be caught. Having thrown away reams and reams of chances to catch the Montreal Canadiens to clinch the division, their attention must turn behind them. As the Leafs, Bruins and Lightning are rapidly approaching .
Minnesota Are For The Taking
March madness has most certainly been the phrase to pin on the Minnesota Wild in the most crucial month of the season. The Wild have won 2 of their 15 games in the month of March a far cry from the team that stormed out of the blocks earlier in the season.
The Sens must look to strike for both points and are quite frankly due a win. It will not only ease pressure on those below, but will add some pressure on Montreal above.
Final Game Day Thoughts
Anderson starts in net, with mystery hanging over the starting lineup. Karlsson looked knocked the other night his lack of overtime minutes and no penalty shot asked questions.
Goals are on the menu for the Ottawa Senators as they seek to heap pressure on failing goaltender Devon Dubnyk. The losses don’t solely fall on his shoulders but he must take some responsibility.
The Wild will be pumped for this game, needing to sort themselves out against a somewhat desperate Sens side who haven’t tested goalies enough. Bobby Ryan needs a goal more than anyone on that team and Mark Stone could look to add to his impressive tally.
Next: Anderson For Bill Masterton
Win tonight, ease pressure, look forward. It sounds so simple.