Silver Nuggets: Volchenkov, Butler in for tonight's game.

Here's your Ottawa Senators headlines for gameday versus the Carolina Hurricanes:

• Anton Volchenkov and recent NCAA signing Bobby Butler will both be in the lineup tonight. Brian Elliott starts in net. (Sens)
• In case you've forgot, we'll reiterate: a single point in tonight's game (whether through a win or simply pushing the game to OT) clinches a playoff spot for the Ottawa Senators.
• Jason Spezza is one assist away from number 300 in his NHL career.
• The Prediction Panel believes that the Senators will clinch that playoff spot, with (almost) everyone predicting a Sens victory. (Citizen)
• Congratulations to prospect Mike Hoffman for being named the QMJHL's Most Valuable Player. Hoffman finished the regular season with an astounding 46 goals and 39 assists in 46 games. (TSN)
• Ian Mendes says that great goaltending is not a necessary ingredient for a Stanley Cup champion in 2010. (Sportsnet)
• Daniel Alfredsson said this morning on radio that he was going to run for mayor. It was an April Fool's Day prank, unfortunately. (Score)

• Milks looks at the Andy Sutton/Anton Volchenkov "non-argument", and concludes--rightfully so--that Volchenkov is the better defender. But is he $2M better? Over the next three to five years? If Volchie wants $5M per year, and Sutton can be had for $3M, there might be something there. (Black Aces)
• A.J. Perez has a great look at what Brian Elliott has done in the Senators' net this season. (Fanhouse)
• Andy Sutton has only made the playoffs once, and his Atlanta Thrashers got swept. He's hoping for a better result this time around. (Citizen)
• Looks like with Robin Lehner arriving in Binghamton, CHRIS HOLT! has been re-assigned to Elmira. Geez, the guy comes in and leads the team in wins (16), goals-against average (2.95) and save percentage (.905), and he gets dumped to the ECHL? Well, he might be right back up soon. (Sharp)
• This just in: The Senators drafted better than the Maple Leafs in the 90's. (Battle of Ontario)
• Senators 2009 NHL Entry Draft first round pick Jared Cowen's Spokane Chiefs were knocked out of the WHL playoffs by the Portland Winterhawks last night. One positive that can be taken: though his team lost 5-4, Cowen was still a +2 on the night. (WHL)