GDP #31: Sens V Canes

The Sens take to the ice tonight, fresh off a 2-0 shutout win over the Philadelphia Flyers. Tonight they welcome the last place team in the NHL, who are a whopping 7 points behind 2nd last place Toronto. This should be a win but it's a trap game too, with everyone expecting a win, there might be a tendency to be complacent. At least Carolina is coming off an ovetime loss where they collected a point, against the NHL leading Washington Capitals last night.

For the Sens, there is only one change, as Chris Campoli will be a healthy scratch to make room for Alexandre Picard's return. I can't help but wonder why Erik Karlsson is being scracthed instead but I suppose BM is riding it out with young Erik. Brian Elliott will make his 12th consecutive start in net tonight.

For the Canes, well what is there to say. After a very strong playoffs, many predicted them to be a good team this year but they have fallen on hard times, being the laughing stock of the league. Shoutout to Jiri Tlusty, who last week had the honor of being traded from the 2nd worst team in the NHL, to the absolute worst team. No word yet if the scandalous pictures that surfaced of him last year were included in the deal.

Luckily for the Sens, former Sen and Sen killer Joe Corvo will be out of the lineup tonight. Though I do always enjoy all the booing he recieves. Erik Cole will also be out tonight and Manny Legace is expected to start in goal, with Cam Ward recently returning from a serious injury.

Prediction: These are just the type of games we need to win, but can cause a lot of problems. With a reported 4000 unsold tickets, SBP will be quiet tonight and Carolina, despite their record, are playing a lot better. For evidence see last night's game. Still, the Sens are coming off their first shutout of the year and need this game for their playoff push. Sens win 5-2, with the game being a lot closer then the score indicates. Alfie, Kovie and Spezza all score.

Thoughts?