Related news:
While the Panthers have clinched their fifth straight playoff berth, things have been tough in Panther land the last little stretch. Just two wins and three total points in their last ten games, the Panthers have slid from President's Trophy front-runners to trying to stave off the Maple Leafs for home ice advantage in the first round all in a matter of a couple weeks.
With nothing but weapons on this Panthers team the Sens will have their hands full tonight. Led by Sam Reinhart in the midst of his first career 50-goal campaign (52), alongside Matthew Tkachuk (80), Aleksander Barkov (73), and Carter Verhaeghe (70) all over 70 points this season, their are plenty of threats on the offensive side of the puck. On the back end the goaltending tandem of Sergei Bobrovsky (0.912% save percentage and 2.46 goals against average) and Anthony Stolarz (0.922% save percentage and 2.12 goals against average) has been lights out this season.
Of course, this will be the Senators first time facing former teammate Vladimir Tarasenko who was traded to the Panthers at the NHL trade deadline. While Tarasenko was a very welcomed and sought after addition for the Panthers, it hasn't been all peaches and cream since his arrival. In 13 games since coming on board the Panthers have gone 4-8-1, however Tarasenko seemingly has fit in well with five goals and five assists in those 13 games.
While there will surely be some warm welcome backs before game time, don't expect any pleasantries one the puck hits the ice and the Senators look to spoil Florida's chance at home ice advantage.
