Game 77: Ottawa Senators @ Tampa Bay Lightning
The Ottawa Senators continue their road trip into Florida State tonight, as they take on the Tampa Bay Lightning at the St. Pete Times Forum. While Ottawa has the opportunity to claw their way into a tie for 26 overall, a win tonight would clinch a playoff spot for the Lightning. However, Tampa's a lowly 1-2-2 in their last five games, and the Sens are 3-1-1 over the same span.
Some players I'll be watching tonight:
- Curtis McElhinney: This will mark his third start against the Lightning in March, and he's won the first two. McElhinney is still very much playing for his next job, and will need to show he can at least be an NHL backup to get a good contract offered to him.
- Steven Stamkos: Stammer has no points in his last five games, the longest time he's gone without one this season. Will it run to six, or will he explode offensively tonight?
- Steve Downie: It's Steve Downie bobblehead night in Tampa! Will he commemorate it with some stupid shenanigans? Or will he keep his game clean?
- Bobby Butler: Ended a three-game assist streak last game, but hasn't scored a goal in eight straight and has been bumped off the top line during some games. He has said the long pro season is an adjustment from the roughly 40-game college schedule, but can he work his way back up to the top line before season's end?
As always, join us in the comments to express your thoughts on the current state of the Senators. Or the world. Whatever.
