isn't this fun?

Posted by Gord Wilson on April 3, 2008

Greetings, everyone, from the Big Smoke, a.k.a. Toronto, where the Senators are to close out their eight-game season-long series with the Leafs. After winning the first three games of the head-to-head matchup, the Senators have lost the last four to Toronto, so obviously, tonight's visitors would like that  trend to change tonight. No, sorry, never mind "would like," the Senators "need" that trend to change.  Can't be stated any more obvious. Senators need a win tonight to keep their playoff hopes alive. And for  what it's  worth... I did sense a little something different in the locker room and on the ice this morning.  Lots of jump, smiles and a lot of talking. Players seemed to be enjoying themselves. Let's see if that  translates into a complete, confident game. And a little puck luck might help as well. It's amazing how  much one's feelings can change, if they get a little luck on their side.

That being said, maybe luck is already changing a little. Cory Stillman has skated with the team the last  two days and feels ready to play. He's missed the last two games with a leg injury.

Watch for Stillman to at least start the game with Alfredsson and Spezza. Other line combinations include 15-12-28, 20-37-25, 5-58-10. No changes are expected on defence.

Martin Gerber gets the call in goal... his 54th start and 16th straight. He's 3-2 against the Leafs this year. Vesa Toskala is back in goal for the Leafs. It'll be his 66th appearance. Leafs will be without Mats  Sundin, Nik Antropov and Kyle Wellwood, but everyone playing for the blue and white relishes the thought of helping prevent the Senators from making the playoffs.

Should the Senators fall tonight, it sets up tomorrow night's final game of the regular season against the  Bruins as the biggest of the year. That will clearly be labelled as nothing more than a must win situation.

Enjoy tonight, everyone... a Sens pay-per-view broadcast, with Patricia Boal, Grant Ledyard, Dean Brown and myself.  And if you can't watch this one, it can be heard all along the Team 1200 radio network, with Dave Schreiber and Shaun Van Allen.

cheers, gord