Game 75 Preview: Florida Panthers @ Ottawa Senators

Did something happen last night? No? Good. Let's move on from the hypothetical thing that never happened.

The Ottawa Senators are in desperate need of a win this afternoon/evening when the Florida Panthers roll into town. They stand one point back of the Boston Bruins for the final play-off spot, but do have a game in hand on the B's. In spite of all the hand wringing, the team still controls its own fate. Eight games to go. Two weeks. Let's go.

There was no skate this morning, so my best guess at the line-up:

Hoffman - Zibanejad - Ryan
MacArthur - Turris - Stone
Condra - Pageau - Lazar
Smith - Legwand - Chiasson

Methot - Karlsson
Wiercioch - Ceci
Borowiecki - Gryba

Anderson (starter)
Driedger

Some notes for tonight:

• According to most reports, Roberto Luongo will start tonight for Florida. Back-to-backs are rarely kind to goalies; let's hope Lou feels some of that extra fatigue
• Tonight could be a look at two of the finalists for the Calder Trophy this year, Aaron Ekblad and Mark Stone. After a hot start to the year, Ekblad has cooled off considerably but is still second on the team in ice time and fifth in points. For an 18 year old, that's awfully impressive.
• Speaking of impressive rookies, Mike Hoffman's production has fallen off a bit in recent weeks. Nonetheless, it was baffling to see Alex Chiasson take his place for most of last night's game. Hoffman played less than three minutes in the third period. Perhaps not coincidentally, the Sens only generated three shots on net
• The Bruins are also in action today as they face the Carolina Hurricanes. Go Canes!