GDT - Game #49: Sens @ Lightning, Feb 2, 2017, 7:30pm

It's Groundhog Day! AMC is running a day-long marathon.

First game back for Boucher against the club that fired him after a loss to the Senators. So the team owes it to him to win, right?

Bruins and Leafs lost in regulation their last games out so the Sens still find themselves 2nd in the Atlantic. But with two straight losses (last one in regulation) the gaps on the teams below are getting smaller. Same number of points as the Bruins (but with games in hand), 3 up on the Leafs, 4 on the Panthers (with games in hand). A small losing streak here and we could find ourselves outside of the comfort of the top-three in the Division. We are just 2 up on the Flyers in the second wildcard spot, and here come the Islanders, 7-2-1 in their last 10 and 5 points back.

In other words, the losing must stop now. Before it gets out of hand.

Lineup changes:
Boro will play, but it's not clear yet if Claesson comes out or they go with 7D, in which case Neil and Lazar will both sit.

Vasilevsky will start for Tampa. Assuming Condon for the good guys.

With Boro in the lineup we don't need Neil as much, so Lazar could be drawing back in. How many last chances does he get?  The number 1 and 3 top scorers from that Oil Kings Memorial Cup team (Lazar was number 2) were just traded for each other; all three have struggled since turning pro.

Condon was already confirmed the starter for our Mighty Senasnores.

Coming off a couple lacklustre performances against mediocre teams, the Sens need a big W tonight to get things back on track.

Lazar in. Neil and Claesson out.

The Sens are the slight Bodog underdog. So I've cursed them again by betting on them.

I sure wouldn't mind a big win.

Ceci giveaway, Lightning goal, drink.

Ceci turns over the other way to Smith, to Stone, goal Senators, drink.

Habs lose regulation. Sadly, no injuries to report.

Powerplay is humming. Two goals for a two goal lead. First goal for The Hoff against Tampa.

Still nothing for Lazar, but he had a couple good shifts.

So Stone is not going to get the Selke votes because he scores too much, I bet. Two goals plus an assist, so far. Note takes over the team lead in goals.

Kelly with a goal in his 800th game, courtesy of The Captain (empty net, third assist for Karlsson).

Very nice W. Was Bobby playing tonight?

Man do we ever have a gem in Mark Stone. One of the most underrated players in the league.

I thought Ryan played well. Lazar as well.

Wonderful win. Kept them to the outside, scored timely goals, everything was excellent.  I thought if they bounced  back and played well tonight, they were for real after that stinging loss on florida.

Turris, Stone and Hoffman are silky.  Brassard was solid too.  Very pleased.