Game 67: Ottawa Senators @ Florida Panthers
Tonight's a big Eastern Conference matchup, with the Panthers attempting to build on their Southeast Division lead and the Senators working to overtake the New Jersey Devils in order to nab the six-spot in the East--thereby earning a first-round matchup against whoever wins the Southeast Division.
For a change tonight, the Sens called up Rob Klinkhammer from Binghamton, and it looks like he's going to step right up to the second line, alongside Kyle Turris and Daniel Alfredsson. It makes sense: Since starting the season on an absolute tear, Z. Smith has just two points (1G, 1A) in the last 25 games, and none in the last 12. Klinkhammer, on the other hand, has 35P (12G, 23A) in 35GP since being acquired by the B-Sens, and has fit in nicely on their top line. Hopefully he'll help wake up the Sens' second line, which has been mired in a scoring drought for what seems like forever.
With those change, I'm guessing the lines will look something like this tonight:
Some things to watch for tonight:
- #Lehnsanity, again: Can Robin Lehner maintain his absolutely unreal numbers this season? He lost his first game of the season on Friday, but still had a hell of a game. We'll see if he can keep going tonight.
- Kid Karlsson: EK65's eight-game scoring streak came to an end against Chicago on Friday. Was it just a bump in the road, or is Karlsson going to get mired in a scoring drought?
- Chasin' Jason: Spezza's scoring streak, however, was extended to 11 games, and he's up to fourth place in overall NHL scoring. Can he keep things going?
- Klink's debut: Tonight will be Klinkhammer's second career NHL game, and his first this season. He's also getting a heck of an opportunity with two skilled players, but how will he fare?
