As if every day wasn't already Hockey Day In Canada, the annual tradition goes today much to the dismay of those females who aren't really into hockey (yes I am sure there are some out there) who have a man who is....and of course vice versa. Double that because it is Valentine's Day and attention might not exactly be where it should be.
Well I find myself in Richmond, Virginia today, not exactly the ideal place for viewing the HDIC festivities, so I am going to miss out this year.
The Senators will kick off the celebration as they host the Oilers for a rare (for this season, thankfully) 2PM puck drop at Canadian Tire Centre. The Senators are coming off a SO loss that sort of felt like a win, after erasing a 3-0 deficit with 4 goals in the third period against a strong Penguins team that got 3 goals combined from Sidney Crosby (2) and Evgeni Malkin.
From various reports coming out of practice on Friday, Jean-Gabriel Pageau and Jared Cowen figure to be the odd men out, with Patrick Weircioch coming in to play with Cody Ceci. I am not sure if that becomes the 2nd or 3rd pair, and like Cowen or not, that looks much less intimidating than usual.
Robin Lehner is going to make his 8th consecutive start in goal and he and the Senators are looking for him to find the answer to consistency, because thus far he has not shown what management would like to see - a guy seizing the opportunity that he is given.
As for the Oilers, once again firmly in the McEichel sweepstakes, they hurt their chances for a guaranteed first or second pick with an overtime win over the Habs on Thursday night, and now sit 6 points up on the Sabres for last place.
The Oilers also had to come from behind, with 2-0 and 3-2 deficits overcome. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins scored to tie the game twice and Anton Lander had the OT winner.
Enjoy the game, because I most likely won't get to!