Game Hub 15: Ottawa Senators at Philadelphia Flyers
Spence joins the lineup as the Ottawa Senators continue searching for their first regulation win in far too long.
Editor's Note: After this preview was released, insiders reported that Spence would replace Matinpalo. We assume the Sens took our advice — we’ll happily take credit for the change. Apologies that parts of this preview are now outdated.
The Senators enter this matchup after three straight overtime games, losing two of them. They’ll use the same roster they deployed Thursday against the Bruins, hoping to rediscover the offensive spark glimpsed earlier this season.
The Philadelphia Flyers arrive riding a two-game win streak, having defeated the Canadiens and the Predators. With those victories, they now occupy a wild-card playoff spot.
Projected Lineups and Tactical Notes
The latest lineup projection initially listed Matinpalo over Spence. However, there’s growing curiosity about when coach Travis Green might shake things up and add a more offensive defenseman to the third pairing. Such a move could generate extra scoring depth from the blue line.
Matinpalo has been steady defensively but provides limited offensive upside. With Tkachuk — last season’s leading goal scorer — still out, the Senators will need more players contributing by committee to fill the offensive gap.
Author’s Summary
The Senators seek to end their overtime woes and boost scoring depth, while the Flyers ride momentum and stability in their wild-card push.