Senators prediction panel: Game 80
The Ottawa Senators return home to take on the Carolina Hurricanes. Which team will come out on top? Our prediction panel weighs in.
The Ottawa Senators return home to take on the Carolina Hurricanes. Which team will come out on top? Our prediction panel weighs in.
Carolina Hurricanes (31-32-16) at Ottawa Senators (41-28-10)
James Gordon, Citizen Sports Editor
Senators 3, Hurricanes 4
With the Senators all but guaranteed to face the Bruins, they have nothing to play for (other than health). The Carolina Hurricanes are still trying to secure jobs next season. I like their chances here.
Record: 39-40
Exact scored predicted: 1
Wayne Scanlan, Citizen Hockey Columnist
Senators 4, Hurricanes 2
Ideally, the Senators sober up from their playoff-clinch celebration to keep the Hurricanes in their (12th) place.
Record: 41-38
Exact scores predicted: 3
Ian Mendes, Sportnet.ca Senators reporter and blogger
Senators 3, Hurricanes 2
Let’s be honest, the only thing compelling about this game is whether or not I finally break down and beat Jason York with my microphone in the second intermission.
Record: 46-32
Exact scores predicted: 2
Graeme Nichols, writer/editor, The Sixth Sens blog and podcast, defending prediction panel champion
Senators 4, Hurricanes 2
Having missed out on Ottawa’s playoff clinching victory on Sunday and with sixth place in the Eastern Conference still within grasp, I’ll be hoping that Jason Spezsa and Daniel Alfredsson get in on the act tonight.
Record: 45-33
Exact scores predicted: 2
Steve Lloyd, host, Healthy Scratches on Team 1200
Senators 2, Hurricanes 4
Don’t let the Canes’ overall record fool you, since 2011, Carolina has one of the best records in the East. They’d be running away with the Southeast if not for a horrendous start. Couple this with the Sens likelihood to rest a player or two and probably take their foot of the gas a little, I’m taking the Canes.
Record: 44-34
Exact scores predicted: 1
Peter Raaymakers, writer/editor, Silver Seven Sens blog
Senators 5, Hurricanes 2
Few would blame the Sens for resting on their laurels after clinching last game, but I don’t think Paul MacLean would stand for that sort of thing. The return of Alfredsson and Spezza won’t be a bad thing, either, and the Sens should lock down their hold on seventh in the East tonight.
Record: 44-34
Exact scores predicted: 3
Russell, host, SensUnderground podcast
Senators 2, Hurricanes 3
Can we expect a little bit of a let down now that the boys have clinched a playoff spot? I’m thinking maybe…
Record: 46-32
Exact scores predicted: 2
Jeremy Milks, writer/editor, Black Aces blog
Senators 2, Hurricanes 4
With nothing major at stake, the Sens might come out a little flat and get surprised by Kirk Muller’s never-say-die gang. Nobody can help but look ahead to the Bruins on Thursday.
Record: 42-35
CHECK THE STANDINGS: Does no one realize that the Sens still have a shot, albeit a long one, at finishing in sixth place and facing the Panthers rather than the Bruins. This should provide plenty of incentive to bear down tonight.
I know! And its less of a long shot than one might think. NJ only need to lose one of their next two games, Ottawa owns the tiebreaker against them.
Exactly.
We most likely meet Boston.
Next most likely is Florida.
3rd most likely is Rangers.
IF (big IF) we could run the table here and beat Carolina, Boston and Devils, and IF the Devils should also lose to either NYI or Detroit we will move ahead of Devils for 6th place. We own the tie-breaker.
So albeit unlikely it is by no means unimaginable that this scenario could play out.
So I agree – we definitely should be playing for the chance to NOT meet Boston.
NJ have 45 wins, Sens have 3 games left. I believe NJ also owns the tie breaker with more wins. We’re playing Boston first round.
NJ has 33 wins in the all important ROW (Regulation and overtime wins not including shootout wins) tie breaker category compared to Ottawa’s 35 ROW count. Tie goes to Ottawa. Ottawa needs to pick up four points over the two teams’ last three games to move into sixth place. Ottawa plays NJ final game of the season, so they really need to pick up two points over next two games and than take care of NJ in the head-to-head contest.