The Flyers are five points behind the Columbus Blue Jackets for the second wild card into the playoffs from the Eastern Conference. The Blue Jackets play the New York Islanders at Nassau Coliseum on Monday. Philadelphia is 8-3-1 in its past 12 games and has scored at least four goals in five of its past seven. Ottawa, which is last in the NHL with 52 points, has lost three straight games (0-2-1) and is 1-9-1 in its past 11.
Players to watch
Senators forward Brady Tkachuk has six points (four goals, two assists) in two games against the Flyers this season. Flyers forward Claude Giroux has 12 points (three goals, nine assists) during a seven-game point streak
They said it
"These guys are five points out with one game in hand on somebody ahead of them. This is a chance for us to put a dent in their plans. I think we're going to see that a few times the rest of the way. You've got to embrace the role that's in front of you. Tonight, that's what it is." -- Senators forward Bobby Ryan "The position we're in, we can't be complacent. There's no room for error for us. We need to come in, treat it like any other game. It's the NHL, every team is good, every team shows up every night. We're going to have a challenge in front of us." -- Flyers forward Scott Laughton
The Senators held an optional morning skate. ... Flyers coach Scott Gordon said Hart will start against the Washington Capitals on Thursday or against the Toronto Maple Leafs on Friday. Monday will be his first time in the lineup since he injured his ankle during a pregame skate Feb. 21. ... Voracek is serving the first of a two-game suspension for interference against New York Islanders defenseman Johnny Boychuk on Sunday. He has appealed the suspension and will have a hearing with NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman in New York on Tuesday.
Stat pack
Ryan, who grew up in nearby Cherry Hill, New Jersey, has one assist in nine games at Wells Fargo Center. ... Couturier has five points (three goals, two assists) during a four-game point streak. Van Riemsdyk has eight points (five goals, three assists) in his past seven games.
