Game Day Five: Flyers vs Senators, Mar. 30
By
Daniel Chisholm
Hockey Content and Social Media Specialist
The set-up
We're in the final eight games of the regular season and the Ottawa Senators are still firmly in the hunt for the playoffs. Currently sitting just five points behind Pittsburgh for the final spot this race could very well go down to the very last game of the season. Of course, there are five teams within five points of that last playoff spot so truly every win matters!
The Senators enter tonight's clash riding a big divisional win over the Florida Panthers to help cut into that playoff race. With big wins over Florida, Tampa Bay and Pittsburgh in their last five games, the Senators have shown their ability to handle the league's best when it comes down to it. With no Thomas Chabot or Jakob Chychrun tonight the team will have to play as a group of five if they want to stay alive in this playoff hunt. Of course, the strong play of Erik Brannstrom could not have come at a better time as he will slot into top four minutes again tonight and look to build on his scoring touch of late. This group led by the top line of Tim Stützle, Brady Tkachuk and Claude Giroux is sure to make a splash as they look to add to their season totals of 82, 77 and 71 points respectively.
Philadelphia has been hot coming into tonight's game, riding a four-game win streak. With wins over Detroit, Minnesota and Florida in their last four, this team has built a recent reputation for playing spoiler down the stretch of the regular season. Led by alternate captain Kevin Hayes with 52 points in 72 games and Tony DeAngelo anchoring the back end with 39 points in 66 games, this Philadelphia team is not one to take lightly.
Roster notes
Head coach D.J. Smith announced that defenceman Thomas Chabot will be out for a couple weeks with an upper body injury, while the team will monitor the status of Ridly Greig. Additionally, the Senators reassigned goaltender Dylan Ferguson to Belleville. Below is how the Senators lined up during morning skate at Canadian Tire Centre:
Forwards:
Tkachuk - Stützle - Giroux
DeBrincat - Pinto - Batherson
Brassard - Gambrell - Joseph
Brown - Kastelic - Watson
Greig - Gauthier
Defense:
Sanderson - Zub
Brannstrom - Hamonic
Kleven - Holden
Ignite Hope telethon
Tonight the Senators Community Foundation hosts their Together Igniting Hope telethon presented by Bell held during the game. The telethon will kick off at 6 p.m. with host Claire Hanna of TSN interviewing charities, leadership and even a few of the players ahead of the game. That will be followed by the wives, partners and more answering phones to collect donations for the telethon.
The money raised by the telethon will directly impact local programs that benefit children and youth in the Ottawa/Gatineau area such as breakfast programs, access to mental health programs, recreational sports and more. Additionally, there will be a tax receipt available for all donations over $20. Look forward to a great night a head benefitting several great causes across the Ottawa/Gatineau area!
Who to watch
Ahead of making his NHL debut it would be hard to not have your eyes on Tyler Kleven tonight. Kleven is set to play alongside veteran Nick Holden anchoring the third pairing. The 6'4" rookie defenceman built a reputation for delivering heavy hits, stopping the rush into the attacking zone and of course a booming slap shot to boot. Look for Kleven to play a smart and simple game here tonight as he begins to carve out his NHL journey!
Where to watch
For those not at Canadian Tire Centre, Thursday's game can be seen live on TSN5 and RDS2. Fans can also tune into the radio call on TSN 1200 and Unique FM 94,5.
