Game 48: Ottawa Senators @ New York Rangers
Finally! Mike "Not Martin" Brodeur has come back! To New York City! Everyone's favorite goalie was recalled today when Pascal Leclaire was injured breathing in practice and backup Brian Elliot came down with the flu. Tonight ,the Senators try to break out of their five game losing streak against Henrik Lundqvist and the Rangers. It will not be an easy task as they have been outscored 22-5 over those past five. Lundqvist is probably the last person they want to see, but the team is far past the excuses stage. Back to back shamings by Carolina and Atlanta should be enough to get some fire for this game. The team has started well in the first period during this losing streak -- they just haven't buried their chances. If they can tonight, the pressure will ease. Besides Not Martin and Lundqvist here are some other guys to watch tonight:
Mike Fisher: Early in the season he showed he could be dominant when not facing other teams' best lines. Now, he has to at least show he can produce against top players.
Alex Kovalev: Yep, another usual suspect here. The team doesn't need another four-goal night from him, but if he plays at that level, it will open up space for his linemates.
Erik Karlsson: His play has been strong of late. If he has a soft game tonight, this one could get ugly quickly.
Marian Gaborik: The Senators have broken some other players' slumps recently and Gaborik has just two goals and three assists in his last nine games. He's got to be licking his chops going against someone playing in just their second game.
Chris Drury: Even though he is not putting up the numbers he once was, I still consider him one of the most clutch players in the league. Let's hope the puck isn't on his stick with a 2-2 tie and less than a minute to go.
As always, your presence is requested in the comments thread, where I can promise a good time no matter tonight's outcome!