Silver Nuggets: Senators preferred outcomes for tonight
Obviously, the most important game for the Ottawa Senators is their own game against the New York Rangers. But there are a lot of other games that impact the Senators. Let's take a look at what the preferred result from Ottawa's perspective is.
Florida Panthers versus Philadelphia Flyers
The Senators need to pass either the Flyers or the Devils to get into sixth. They would also like the Panthers to win the division.
Best case: Panthers in regulation.
New York Islanders versus New Jersey Devils
The Islanders are no where near Ottawa while New Jersey sits a point ahead. Easy one here.
Base case: Islanders in regulation.
Tampa Bay Lightning versus Washington Capitals
This one is almost a toss-up with the teams separated by two points in the same number of games. Any regulation win would be nice, but the Lightning are two points behind of the Capitals, so that will be the decider.
Best case: Lightning in regulation.
Buffalo Sabres versus Boston Bruins
This one might split the fans. The Sabres have closed to within eight points ahead of Ottawa, but in my opinion Buffalo is less likely to catch Ottawa than Ottawa is to catch Boston.
Best case: Sabres in regulation.
Winnipeg Jets versus Vancouver Canucks
Oneteam is in the western conference, the other team is the one directly below Ottawa in the standings. Go 'Nucks!
Best case: Canucks in regulation.
More after the jump.
Here are today's links:
Tonight's game
- Everyone but Jeremy Milks predicts a loss tonight. Peter predicts a 3-2 loss. Everyone is assuming Henrik Lundqvist starts though. (Senators Extra)
- But...he's not. Martin Biron will play for the Rangers. (Bruce Garrioch)
- Jim O'Brien will return to the lineup tonight in the place of Zenon Konopka. That will be the only change, which means Chris Phillips is good to go. (Ian Mendes)
- Yesterday you read my take on potential first round opponents, but now you can listen to Jason Spezza's view instead. (Senators Extra)
- Colin Greening is the rare player who admits that maybe he delivered a dirty hit. (Senators Extra)
- The Senators are near locks to get into the playoffs and their schedule is also favourable. (Senators Extra)
- Milan Michalek has hit 32 goals and is on pace to finish with 39 goals and 61 points in 77 games. That's a solid first line winger. It is worth mentioning though that his shooting percentage is 17.5%, almost 4% above his second best season. (Ottawa Sun)
- Nick Foligno has the highest points per sixty minutes of even-strengh ice time on the Senators. He is a restricted free agent. How much can he expected to get? (The 6th Sens)