Senators at Panthers
The Ottawa Senators look to end a three-game losing streak and record their first victory on their seven-game road trip when they visit the Florida Panthers on Sunday. Ottawa began its trek with a one-goal loss to the Boston Bruins on Tuesday and dropped a 4-2 decision to the Buffalo Sabres three days later. The Senators could get a major boost as Craig Anderson appears ready to return from the ankle injury he suffered on Feb. 21.
Florida had its three-game winning streak snapped Saturday as its third-period rally fell short in a 4-3 home decision to the Washington Capitals. Alex Ovechkin recorded his 12th career hat trick before Florida began its comeback attempt, with Tomas Kopecky sandwiching goals around a power-play tally by Peter Mueller. The Senators have dominated the Panthers, winning 11 of the last 12 meetings between the clubs.
TV: 6 p.m. ET, Rogers Sportsnet East (Ottawa), FSN (Florida)
ABOUT THE SENATORS 19-12-6): The return of Anderson, who served as Robin Lehner's backup in Friday's loss, could be just what Ottawa needs. The club's skid has helped tighten things up in the Eastern Conference as the Senators find themselves in sixth place, just two points ahead of both the New York Rangers and Islanders. Ottawa also trails the fifth-place Toronto Maple Leafs by two points. Despite missing over a month, Anderson still leads the NHL in both goals-against average (1.49) and save percentage (.952).
ABOUT THE PANTHERS (12-20-6): Nick Bjugstad made his NHL debut in Saturday's loss, recording one shot on goal in 13:04 of ice time. The nephew of former Minnesota North Stars forward Scott, Bjugstad became the seventh Panther to skate in the league for the first time this season, joining Jonathan Huberdeau, Quinton Howden, Eric Selleck, Mike Caruso, Jon Rheault and Drew Shore. Florida's power play has been hot of late as it is 6-for-13 over the team's last four games. Kopecky leads the Panthers with a career high-tying 15 goals. He also tallied 15 times in 2010-11 while with the Chicago Blackhawks.
OVERTIME
1. Ottawa is two victories away from 700 in franchise history.
2. The Senators try to sweep the season series after outscoring the Panthers 7-1 during a home-and-home set in January.
3. Mueller is three assists shy of 100 for his career.
PREDICTION: Senators 3, Panthers 0