Game 64 Preview and Open Thread - Ottawa Senators @ Philadelphia Flyers

400 comments and counting–you people are sick. I used to look at the Rangers and Bruins blogs and think, "We can get this kind of engagement if they can." Who knew all it would take was seven-plus years of no meaningful spring hockey? And the Sens? They're so back. And I know we've said it before but thank you all, from my absolute core, for sticking around through all the down years, and making this such an active hub for fans of the Ottawa Senators now that we finally have something immediately fun to talk about. Remember, the Sens bought at the deadline.

Last night's victory was by no means a clean one, but the atmosphere still felt electric (maybe even moreso given the heroics of one Linus Ullmark against a team who have become legitimate rivals since divisional realignment). The additions of Dylan Cozens and Fabian Zetterlund looked pretty sweet last night. Most of us would conject that Anton Forsberg starts for Ottawa tonight after what feels like ages. And for those of you still poo-pooing Forsberg, keep in mind that this guy does have his next contract to motivate him. Dude just wants to stay in the NHL at this point. I still love you, Forsie.

Today the Sens face another team below them in the standings (still getting used to that) but don't overlook the fact that the Flyers can score about as many goals as the Sens and that Philadelphia has had pretty good shot rates for most of the season. That being said, the Flyers will miss the playoffs again this season, due largely to uninspired goaltending results and probably also because they have a asshole coach and I imagine most of those players absolutely hate playing for that guy. The Flyers lost their last game, on Sunday, against the Devils at home by a score of 3-1, and they have lost six of their last ten. Look for Ivan Fedotov to start for Philadelphia per the early reports. You can see the Flyers projected lines here.

Game Notes

• In terms of head-to-head matchups, the Flyers won the first game of the season series 5-4 in November, and they have the rest/home advantage tonight. These teams play one more game in Ottawa April 13th and I hope by then the Sens only have positioning to play for, and that they have punched their ticket so we can breathe easily.
• At five-on-five the Flyers generate a good amount of chances and they defend well, they just have mediocre shooting luck and abysmal goaltending. I should also mention here that the Flyers sold at the deadline so these season stats could mislead my assessment somewhat.
• In terms of special teams, the Flyers have a really bad powerplay and it doesn't look due for regression. They also have a lousy penalty kill (not that Ottawa can judge in that department right now).
• It's game 64 so you gotta think Michael Amadio scores a hat trick right?

Ottawa Senators Injuries: Nick Cousins, Travis Hamonic

Philadelphia Flyers Injuries: Ryan Ellis, Garnet Hathaway

Where to watch/listen: TSN5, RDS, TSN1200 @7PM EST

Stats