With this being the final home game of the season, and Erik Karlsson admitting last week that he is likely to skip on the final 3 game season ending road trip, this is likely the last game of Karlsson's season.
But, given the question marks surrounding his future in Ottawa and a potential contract extension or trade, could it be the last night we see him skating in a Senators uniform?
It could come down to that if a few factors are considered from both sides- the length and value (hence affordability) of the upcoming extension from the Senators side, and from the player's side the desire for the captain to remain in Ottawa with this franchise and his perception of ownership, management and the ability to compete before too long, as opposed to the chances of winning and making more money in a different location.
Those are topics that will be top of mind until either a trade is made or a contract is signed, and there will be lots of time for speculation between now and a conclusion either way.
Back to tonight, where I would place the odds at about even that it will be his final appearance in the jersey, so enjoy it while it lasts, while hoping that saner heads prevail and Karlsson gets his name on a reasonable contract that is good for both sides.
While the Senators are spiraling downward and have just one team between themselves and the NHL cellar, the Jets are high flying and have to be considered legitimate contenders in the Western Conference.
The Jets have won seven of their last 8 games, with the lone loss coming to the Hawks in the game that gave emergency backup Scott Foster his 15 minutes of fame. The Jets seem destined to face the Wild in the first round, with an epic battle with the Predators looming in the second round, should both advance.
Winnipeg chased Mike Condon with 5 goals on 22 shots in under 27 minutes before Craig Anderson relieved him and stopped all 27 shots he faced back in December. Ottawa couldn't muster any offense and Connor Hellebuyck was forced to make just 21 shots for the shutout.
That was one of 9 times the Senators have been blanked this season, the most recent being Saturday afternoon's 2-0 loss to Jimmy Howard and the Red Wings. Only Montreal (11) has been held scoreless more often this season. In fact, Canadian teams occupy five of the six slots when most shutouts against is concerned this season. Montreal and Ottawa are 1-2, Calgary and Edmonton are 3-4 and Vancouver is 6th.
And to put a cherry on the shutout sunday, the Senators 9 blankings this season matches their total for the previous 4 seasons combined.
I have pointed to problems in their own goal a lot this season, but it would appear that goaltending in general was their problem, and that is also tough considering that they seem to face the opposition's backup more than their fair share of outings.