Game Day Five: Senators at Panthers, Apr. 6
By
Daniel Chisholm
Hockey Content and Social Media Specialist
The set-up
To say that tonight's game holds a lot of weight for both sides almost feels like an understatement. The Senators are fighting to keep their season alive, while Florida is fighting to hold onto one of the Wild Card spots.
The Senators enter this game knowing that a loss mathematically eliminates them from the playoffs. However, even with that the goal coming into this season was to play meaningful games into March and here we are at game 79 and still very much alive in the race. While they can feel good about being a fighter right to the very end don't expect this group to settle just yet. A win keeps this group alive to fight another day and with the likes of Brady Tkachuk and Claude Giroux at the helm you can expect this group to fight right to the bitter end. Throw in the fact that they beat Florida at Canadian Tire Centre just over a week ago, the Senators will be ready to double down and keep their season alive.
Though Florida currently holds the top Wild Card spot, it's going to take the full 82 games to know who is heading to the postseason. Tied with the Islanders and just one point ahead of the Penguins, tonight's battle holds a lot of weight for Florida. Especially when you consider that after tonight they see the likes of Washington, Toronto and Carolina to wrap up the season, expect this group to come out all guns ablaze as they seek those crucial points down the stretch.
Roster notes
With no morning skate below is how the Senators lined up against the Carolina Hurricanes at PNC Arena:
Forwards:
Tkachuk - Stützle - Batherson
DeBrincat - Greig - Giroux
Joseph - Pinto - Sokolov
Brown - Kastelic - Watson
Defense:
Sanderson - Zub
Brannstrom - Holden
Kleven - Bernard-Docker
Past history
Tonight will be the 109th time the Senators will take on Florida, with the Senators currently owning a 57-48 lead in the all-time series with three ties along the way. However, in recent years the Panthers have taken control of the series, winning nine of the last 12 match ups. Of course, this season the series is split 1-1 with each side winning on home ice.
Who to watch
We talk a lot about Alex DeBrincat the goal scorer, but probably not enough about Alex DeBrincat the play maker. In his last outing against Carolina, DeBrincat set up the helper on both goals the Senators scored. In doing that DeBrincat established a new career high for assists in a season with 38. Of course, DeBrincat did build his reputation in this league as a goal scorer, and with five goals in his last seven games he is encroaching on the fourth 30-goal season of his career. Look for DeBrincat to test Florida's young goalie early and often tonight as he looks to keep the Senators season alive and add to his tallies here.
Where to watch
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.
