Game 61 Preview: Philadelphia Flyers @ Ottawa Senators

Between today’s game and the Sens’ next one against Washington, this team could look drastically different. With the February 26th trade deadline fast approaching, the next major domino fell yesterday with Derick Brassard being dealt to the Pittsburgh Penguins.

But until then, there’s still hockey left to be played, as the Philadelphia Flyers (32-19-10) roll into town to take on the Ottawa Senators (21-29-10). Ottawa has lost their last three straight after a good start to the month, while the Flyers are are currently the league’s hottest team with an 8-0-2 record in their last ten games.

Lineup Notes

There’s a lot of mystery surrounding tonight’s lineup. Who fills in as the second line centre? Will Ian Cole play? Will anyone else be traded beforehand? We’re left without answers, so for now the ‘projected’ lineup below will be a complete guess loosely based on the previous game’s combos.

Look out for healthy scratches for ‘precautionary reasons’. That’s the trade bait.

The projected starting goalies are Craig Anderson and the recently-acquired Petr Mrazek.

Projected Guessed Lineup

My personal guess is that Ian Cole won’t be playing tonight, as the Sens are reportedly trying to flip him before the deadline (he’s a pending UFA). Max McCormick is already up on the main roster so he’ll draw into the lineup.

Game Notes

• Subsequent to yesterday’s trade, a GoFundMe page was started to try and get a #MelnykOut billboard near the Canadian Tire Centre. It’s already hit over $5,000.
• Marian Gaborik and Nick Shore had the lowest 5v5 time on ice last game against Tampa Bay, with neither cracking seven minutes.
• Mark Stone was one missed game away from playing his 300th career game on game #61 of the season. He hit the mileStone on Thursday.
• In other news: Chris Kelly scored two goals as Team Canada won bronze in Olympic men’s hockey.
• Could we potentially see a third mid-game trade of the season?
• It’s an early start today — game time is 2:00 p.m.

Head-to-Head Stats

Data from NHL.com and Natural Stat Trick.