Game 82 Preview and Open Thread: Senators @ Sabres

As Sens fans, we always said this season was going to be a success if we were still playing meaningful hockey by the end of the season. Last game, Claude Giroux got his 1,000th point and proved to be one of the best Sens additions in a long while. Tonight? Some may seem it's a final game between two rivals with no implications but you are forgetting a very important event that could happen tonight. Tim Stützle could get to 40 goals this game, he just needs 2 goals and we all know he can do it.

On another note, for all the Craig Anderson fans, this may be the last time we see him play. While he hasn't indicated any retirement thoughts and he obviously still has some good hockey left in him, the almost 42-year-old will most probably be seriously considering hanging up the skates after this season.

The Sens had their final practice at the Canadian Tire Centre yesterday. Mads Søgaard will finish off the season for us with the lineup expected to look much like the one from yesterday's practice:

Some final thoughts before the final game:

• Not going to lie, it is disappointing that the Sens aren't making the playoffs. It doesn't mean that I'm frustrated with the team or any less happy with their progress, just disappointing because I truly feel like needed a good bounce or two to get there. It's been a while since it's felt like they belonged there.
• It's crazy to think, this may be DJ Smith's last game behind the bench (one would assume). Through the ups and downs he has been a great guy for the team and did a good job developing the younger players but was never going to take them to the next step. In his honour, I think the Sens should take a too many men penalty each period.
• What a beast of a season by Tim Stutzle, eh? Whether he reaches 40 goals or not, we could not have asked for a better performance from the young star. Let's hope Giroux returns the favour and help feed him those two milestone goals.
• The one thing that I concerns me is that we might have wasted one great season from Claude Giroux. Will he still be performing at this level next year? I hope this season has motivated him enough to really keep digging deep into what he's got left.
• The Sens deserve to end this season with a win so let's make it a good one.
• You catch the game at 7:00PM on TSN5, RDS or listen live at TSN1200

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