Time Running short for Senator Chasers

The road map reads clearly and by the time the Ottawa Senators steer their way into early April, the destination could truly be set for the springtime.

What we’re talking about here is ‘taking care of business.’ The Senators can do just that if they can slap together a wave of wins during the next week.

In order, Ottawa tackles Detroit then Columbus – both clubs are among a small gang chasing the Senators for a wild-card spot – and following that duo, Pittsburgh then Buffalo come knocking. The Sabres and Penguins are not in the hunt. A sweep and the Ottawans are set and likely ensconced in rung No. 1 on the wild-card ladder. Three out of four probably means the same thing.

The other realistic chasers call New York home.

If there was a yearly award for most disappointing team of the year, the midtown Rangers would be chasing down that ribbon (with Nashville no doubt). Still, if Broadway’s best can somehow rally during its final slate of games, things could get intriguing. And any team with an Igor Shesterkin is capable of that.

What stands in the way is a difficult schedule. New York heads to California for a pair of games against first Anaheim then San Jose this weekend. Both are no longer pushovers and the Ducks, especially, look like a team on a solid pathway.

In April, the Rangers see Tampa twice, and Florida, New Jersey and Carolina once. Particularly challenging.

Our other New York offering is of course the Islanders who annually play the role of Jason Voorhees to perfection – they simply cannot be killed off. Sequel after sequel.

As of mid-week, the Isles sit a single point back of Montreal for the No. 8 position and sit five back of Ottawa (all three have played 70 games).

Smoke and mirrors on Long Island?

Perhaps, but credit coach Patrick Roy for getting juice out of a pretty dry and unappealing lineup.

Schedule-wise?

Glad you asked.

The Isles will be challenged. They also face Tampa twice and also see Carolina and New Jersey for singles play. Adding to the fun is a pair of dates with the Eastern Conference leading Washington Capitals.

In the reality zone of my opinion, I don’t see either the Isles or Rangers shooting past Ottawa. Too much rubber already on the road for both and nothing suggests the two New York clubs can muster the necessary streak needed to catch and pass the Senators.

And if that’s the case, this is where things really become interesting for Ottawa.

Placing seventh overall means you will be opening the playoffs against the first-place finisher in the Atlantic Division. All three challengers in that neck of the woods have skated in 71 games and have 11 remaining. As of Thursday afternoon (none of the three played Wednesday), Toronto and Florida are tied at the top with 89 points. Tampa Bay is just two back of the tandem.

The schedule-maker did some nice work here.

The Panthers and Leafs will hook up twice more in early April, a mere two weeks before the start of the post-season.

Toronto also skates with Tampa on April 9^th, in Tampa.

Florida also has its tests. The Panthers play Tampa as well, but on the last day of the regular season. Should also mention the Bill Zito’s collective tackles Montreal two times; a team that can give Florida fits.

Which brings us back to you, Ottawa.

If you had your druthers among your brothers, who’d be your pick?

The overwhelming tide points to Toronto, a team Ottawa has dominated this season in head-to-head play. There is also a look to the Leafs that the much-grittier Senators would like. The Leafs compete hard under coach Craig Berube, but recent (and not so recent) history could suggest the organization is fallible come springtime. (OK, lose the ‘suggest’).

Clearly Florida is not desirable for Ottawa. The Panthers relish the bully role when facing their northern opponent. To say Florida has dominated Ottawa is absolutely something of an understatement.

As for Tampa, who knows? No question it would be an interesting story to watch unfold.

Play on, gentlemen.

OTTAWA SENATORS WEEK AHEAD:

Thursday, March 27: Ottawa at Detroit (7 pm)
Saturday, March 29: Columbus at Ottawa (7 pm)
Sunday, March 30: Ottawa at Pittsburgh (5 pm)
Tuesday, April 1: Buffalo at Ottawa (7 pm)

thegrossgame@yahoo.com

PHOTO: Courtesy Yahoo Sports