Thomas Chabot talks about the support he received from Derick Brassard this year, Mark Stone shut down for the remainder of the season and more before the Sens take on the Penguins tonight in Pittsburgh.

1. Chabot reflects on season, Brassard

It's been a rookie season to remember for Thomas Chabot. He's amassed 25 points (9G, 16A) in 61 games which places him 5th in franchise history for scoring by a rookie defenceman and only one point behind Erik Karlsson's 2009-10 rookie total.
"It went by so fast," said Chabot following the team's final practice of the year. "We had lots of ups and downs during the season so we tried to have a little fun during our last practice. We're just trying to keep things positive and finish on a good note in the last two games."

Chabot also shared that his transition to the NHL was ultimately made easier thanks former-Senator Derick Brassard who was dealt to the Penguins a few weeks ago.
"He's a guy who really helped me when I came to the team," Chabot said of Brassard. "He got traded to a good team that has a chance at the playoffs so I was happy for him but it was hard to see him go."
Brassard, who played in 139 games with the Senators over the past two seasons, isn't expected to be in Pittsburgh's line-up tonight as he deals with a groin injury that he suffered at the end of March.
Unrelated to tonight's game, TSN 1200 confirms that Chabot has accepted and invitation to play for Team Canada at the 2018 World Championships.

2. Stone done for the year

Sens head coach Guy Boucher shared some bad news regarding Mark Stone's injury status yesterday following the team's practice in Pittsburgh (whoops...spoiler alert if you already read the title)
"He's being shut down," said Boucher. "He tried his very best to come back until the very end but it's not worth the risk. He's not at 100% so he's done."

Prior to the Sens' final road trip of the season, Stone sounded optimistic about his chances to return in at least one of the three remaining games but also warned that if he wasn't fully recovered, he wouldn't play. He currently sits tied with Karlsson for the team lead in points with 62 which is impressive considering the right winger hasn't played in nearly a month after suffering a high ankle sprain on March 9th against the Flames.

3. Ryan good to go

And now for some good injury news.
After leaving Wednesday's game with a lower body injury, Bobby Ryan was able to join his teammates for their practice in Pittsburgh yesterday and even he was surprised at how well he was feeling.
"If you asked me last night where I was going to be I didn't think I'd feel nearly as good as I did today," Ryan said following Thursday's practice. "Pain isn't a factor like it was last night which is why I couldn't come back but I think I'm pretty much good to go."
Ryan has missed 20 games this year already, mostly due to some re-occuring finger injuries, so his presence in the Sens line-up could help provide an offensive boost as they close out the regular season this weekend.

4. Previous meeting

These teams last sqaured off on February 13th in Pittsburgh with the Penguins doubling up the Sens 6-3. Matt Duchene, Ryan Dzingel and now-Penguin Derick Brassard provided the offence for Ottawa in defeat but this game will probably be more famously remember as the one where Dion Phaneuf was dealt to the Los Angeles Kings mid-game.
Full game highlights are below like usual...

5. Where to watch

It's a 7:30 p.m. start time in Pittsburgh tonight and it's also our final TSN5 and RDS broadcast of the season. So be sure to tune in one last time and catch the very best Sens broadcast available. Honestly, they do a phenomal job and we're lucky to have such a great broadcast partner.
If you're in need of a spot to head out and watch the game with some friends, why not check out our list of
Sens Army Headquarters
that feature a bunch of great spots across the Ottawa-region.