We'll be seeing the Senators of the future again this afternoon at Philips Arena. The team's still decimated by injury, so their call-ups from Binghamton are still around, and are still playing pretty darn good hockey. Much like the Islanders, they're playing for next season all ready, getting the kids out there to see what they can do. And, much like the Islanders, there's some great promise already to be seen in Ottawa's team.
They've been statistically eliminated from the playoffs, so the Sens are playing the role of spoiler. If they repeat the game from March today, they will be. The Thrashers lost their previous game to the Sens on March 3rd 3-1, no thanks to Craig Anderson, who stopped 43 of the Thrashers 44 shots. Chris Mason turned in a solid performance in that game, much like the performance he had Friday Night against the Vancouver Canucks. The lack of scoring and an amazing goaltending performance at the other end of the ice is what did the Thrashers in.
Atlanta needs to keep an eye on one of the vets today - Jason Spezza has six points in his last five games, and he has three goals in the three games against Atlanta this season.
Five times these games have gone to extra time, and the Thrashers have won all five. If the team can force some OT, then, maybe there's still a teeny bit of hope left... but not for playoffs. The Thrashers are now playing for pride.
This is a super early Sunday game starting at 2:00. Brave the icky weather and the roadwork and come have a light brunch in the CNN Center before hand. Gorin's has awesome scrambled eggs. And beer. Have fun while you still can, Thrasher fans. As much as we like to grumble, there're only three home games left - and we all miss it when it's done.