If only the Senators had the same success against New York merto-based teams as they have had against California based teams. Ottawa has just 2 points in 7 games against the Rangers, Devils and Islanders, both losses in extra time.
They will be looking to avoid the same fate as befell them on Thursday in New Jersey, and that is getting swept in their season series.The Rangers already have 2-1 (SO) and 4-1 wins over the Sens in their pockets this season.
The Rangers are battling with the Isles and Devils for 2nd in the Metropolitan Division, trailing the Capitals by an incredible 16 points. New York is on a two game winning streak with wins over Vancouver and Carolina.
It will probably be Craig Anderson in the Ottawa net, looking to rebound from one of the worst outings of his career on Thursday. Anderson allowed 4 goals on just 7 shots before being pulled less than 14 minutes into the game in New Jersey. The Senators need a standout effort from their goalie to help them get back on track.
No confirmation yet as to the status of either Kyle Turris or Marc Methot, who have missed two and three games respectively, but the Senators will be without Milan Michalek for the foreseeable future after breaking his finger again on Friday night. Michalek hasn't set the world on fire over the last couple of years, but already without Clarke MacArthur his loss really hurts the already thin left side.
After the results of yesterday's action, the Senators have fallen 5 points out in the Wild Card race with 3 teams to pass right now. Last year showed that you are never really out of a playoff race, but that was the exception rather than the rule and the Senators don't want to test fate by falling even farther behind than they are as the All-Star break looms.
I don't know exactly how far is too far, but it does feel like that threshold is getting very close, and heading into the break with a couple of wins would help a lot of fans step back from the ledge for a moment.
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The rumors that Ottawa is continuing to talk to Tampa with respect to Jonathan Drouin continue to make the rounds, the latest being that Tampa has moved off of Cody Ceci and have turned their attention to Thomas Chabot (plus something else).
It is something would be hesitant to consider, even in a 1 for 1 deal. Chabot is a couple of years away at best, but is the best defensive prospect the Senators have had since Erik Karlsson, and Drouin has a lot to prove at the NHL level. His skill set is undeniable, but there is the black cloud hanging over him. Its not just this holdout of sorts, but it has been the sense of entitlement since he was drafted that worries me. Even his stint with the Team Canada World Juniors in 2014 was marred when as a returning player who was expected to lead, it seemed like it was more about him than team at times. That happens to young players but two years later it seems more of the same.
It would be a massive deal if it were to get done, and I wouldn't be averse to bringing Drouin in, but I don't know if he makes an immediate impact to the point he is a difference maker. And I wouldn't do it at any cost, and the price to be paid would likely be too rich for my blood if it were me making the decision.