Game 73 Preview and Open Thread: Ottawa Senators @ Pittsburgh Penguins

Playing two games in less than 24-hours doesn't seem like a great time, especially with the latter game on the road but with the inertia these Ottawa Senators have right now, maybe they'll benefit from keeping the proverbial engine running. As much as Columbus got a lot of shots late, got within one goal, and prevented the Sens from scoring on the empty net; it felt like Ottawa had that one pretty well sewn up last night. Obviously, getting a lead and holding it would set the Sens up for a higher probability of success than chasing a well-rested Pittsburgh team so let's hope they come flying out of the gate against some suspect Penguins goaltending.

Game Notes:

• After today's semi-matinee, the Sens have just one more road game and one more back-to-back. The Sens have three games left against legitimate good teams (Carolina, Florida, and Tampa), three against Columbus/Montreal, and four (including today) against teams who just want to go home already and who should probably really think about draft lottery odds (wink wink).
• So far on the season series, Ottawa has won 3-2 and 5-0, with the chance to complete the sweep today obviously. Pittsburgh hasn't played since Thursday but they got stomped 7-3 in Buffalo so either they'll feel extra motivated to atone for that performance or they just stink and the rest won't matter.
• The Penguins have had average shooting luck this season and atrocious goaltending (hence their record). They have a decent powerplay and decent penalty kill to go along with decent five-on-five offence and bad five-on-five defence.
• Anton Forsberg (presumably) will have his work cut out for him if he starts and Ottawa may need to come through will the goal support as this Penguins team can still score a bit. No word yet on who starts for Pittsburgh.
• My understanding is that with a Senators win today, Pittsburgh cannot catch Ottawa in the standings.
• Erik Karlsson deserves so much better. The rest of these losers can kick rocks.
• In terms of out of town scoreboard watching, Montreal visits Florida and New York (I) visits Carolina. Root, root, root for the home team.
• The Sens have recalled Angus Crookshank, no news yet on corresponding injury/roster move.

Senators Injuries: Nick Cousins

Penguins Injuries: Boko Imama Pierre-Olivier Joseph Evgeni Malkin Tommy Novak

Where to Watch/Listen: TSN5 RDS TSN1200 @5PM EST

Ottawa's Lines Last Night:

Pittsburgh's Lines from last game: