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Ottawa Senators: A Monumental Collapse

By Alexander O'Reilly

Apr 3, 2017; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Red Wings right wing Evgeny Svechnikov (37) celebrates after scoring a goal against Ottawa Senators goalie Craig Anderson (41) during a shootout at Joe Louis Arena. The Red Wings won 5-4 in a shootout. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 3, 2017; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Red Wings right wing Evgeny Svechnikov (37) celebrates after scoring a goal against Ottawa Senators goalie Craig Anderson (41) during a shootout at Joe Louis Arena. The Red Wings won 5-4 in a shootout. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports /
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A Month ago things were looking great for the Ottawa Senators.

The Ottawa Senators were in the middle of a six game winning streak and were considered a lock for the playoffs. It was seen as a very real possibility that they could win the Atlantic Division. Since then they’ve lost nine of their last eleven games and currently sit third in the Atlantic Division just four points up on the Tampa Bay Lightning who are on the outside looking in.

The State of the Playoff Race

As this final stretch is played out many are concerned that the Sens could not only fall out of a divisional spot but miss the playoffs as well. These are not unwarranted concerns as Toronto, Boston, and Tampa have all been hot lately. Luckily the Sens were able to escape with a point last night after being down by two goals. With four games remaining the Sens will need 5 points to guarantee a playoff spot. A win against Detroit tonight is crucial as their final three games are against the Bruins, Rangers, and Islanders. With Detroit easily the weakest of their four remaining opponents, anything less than two points could spell disaster for the Sens’ playoff hopes.

Hope

Tampa is playing as well tonight and the combination of a Sens win and a Bolts loss could place Ottawa in a much stronger position. If Ottawa wins and Tampa loses in regulation the Sens will have a six point lead with three games remaining. The Sens would then have to go pointless and Tampa undefeated for Ottawa to miss the playoffs. Even if that were to happen there’s still a chance they would make the playoffs because of the tie breaker. So, while it may be time for concern, it isn’t time to panic. If the results tonight aren’t in our favour it might be that time, but we aren’t there just yet.

A Crucial Game

Tonight the Senators will face Detroit in the second game of a home and home match-up between the two teams. The Sens’ will be without Methot, Ceci, and Smith. The status of Bobby Ryan is also uncertain as he left the game last night and did not return. Fortunately Karlsson was back in the lineup last night in Detroit, and should be ready to go again tonight. The Senators will need to score more than they are accustomed to with two of their top four defencemen out with injuries. Tonight is a big game for the Sens Army, as will be true for every game down the stretch.

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