Three games remaining...three points to make up...three teams within reach.
The math isn't exactly working in the favor of the Ottawa Senators, but it could be a heck of a lot worse. A regulation win over the Penguins tonight would continue to give hope for a playoff berth, while anything but that result will certainly end a great ride.
A win and the Senators put the pressure on the Penguins, Bruins and depending on the result of their simultaneous game against Carolina, the Red Wings. A loss and it is all but over.
So not much pressure on the shoulders of the Senators tonight, against a team that they haven't had a ton of success against. Pittsburgh has won both meetings this season, but are reeling right now and might be ripe for the picking for a desperate Senators squad who have been playing with house money for the better part of two months, but haven't been able to win the one that puts them over the top and gives them some breathing room. In other words, they have been doing it the hard way.
Andrew Hammond has never faced Sidney Crosby and Co., and the NHL's first star of the week hasn't really wilted from a challenge in his brief stint. His NHL time might have been short-lived, but he will end the season as the Senators leader in wins, sitting 3 ahead of Craig Anderson already, in just 20 starts.
This is the Senators' final home game of the regular season, and it will take this one plus two more on the road if there is to be another hockey game at CTC this season, and that might not even be enough. All they can worry about is taking care of their own business and let the chips fall where they may.
The Penguins are coming off a disappointing result against the Flyers, in a game where they rested (inexplicably?) Marc-Andre Fleury in favor of Thomas Greiss and lost to the rival Flyers by a score of 4-1. The Pens are struggling defensively without Christian Ehrhoff and Kris Letang, and have won just 3 of their last 12 games to put themselves in a precarious position where a playoff spot cannot be taken for granted.
Sidney Crosby is looking to capture his 3rd Art Ross Trophy, leading a 3-man pack by a single point, but if he can't lead the Pens to the playoffs and further, it will be a disappointment.
It will be a playoff-type atmosphere for sure, and the key for the Senators will be getting off to a strong start and keeping the crowd in the game. If they play an opening 20 minutes like they did in Toronto on Saturday, it could turn out to be a long, frustrating night.
The Senators need to get all 4 lines rolling if they are going to finish the deal, and that means Bobby Ryan (most of all) has to step his game up and contribute on the scoreboard. Kyle Turris, Mark Stone and Erik Karlsson have carried the load while Ryan has struggled, and it is time for Ryan to return the favor and get some goals on the board. He should be leading the team in goals with his talent and pedigree, and he is still short of the 20 goal mark. A contribution from Mike Hoffman, who hasn't scored in 7 games wouldn't hurt as well.
The Senators can't make the playoffs with a win over the Penguins, but anything but a win and they can kiss their chances goodbye.
Isn't meaningful hockey in April fun!?!