As Ottawa continues to climb atop the Eastern Conference pecking
order, analysts and experts have begun to take notice. With the Sens
on their first six-game winning streak since the middle of 2007,
Ottawa looks to have finally found rhythm and consistency. Of course,
it helps when your franchise center returns to the lineup, but
production across the board is what is making the Senators a viable on
ice product right now.

Ottawa’s due respect comes after yet another win against the Boston
Bruins, who are in a proverbial tailspin and currently on the outside
looking in. Jason Spezza’s return culminated in his usual late game
heroics, beating Tim Thomas for the game winner.

The Senators ascension to the 5th seed in the East is somewhat due to
the resurgence of netminder Brian Elliott, whose .957 save percentage
and 1.25 GAA in his last four games has led to wins in each, including
some heroics against the Western Conference powerhouse Chicago
Blackhawks.

To touch on one of the few meaningful injuries left on the Senators
squad, it appears that Anton Volchenkov will make his return on
Tuesday after recovering from an upper body injury. In his place
against Boston, defenseman Erik Karlsson was promoted alongside Chris
Phillips, and filled in nicely.

Few teams could derail this bullet train right now, but the New Jersey
Devils have had the Senators number as of late. Brodeur’s Bunch has
beaten the Senators all three games the two have played against each
other this season, but a suddenly healthy Ottawa squad that seems to
be firing on all cylinders could mean the difference in the pivotal
Eastern Conference match-up. It’s no secret that the Devils may be the
team to beat coming out of the East, and to make matters worse the
Senators over the years have struggled mightily against Lou
Lamoriello’s club.

A win tonight could mean closing the gap on Buffalo’s alleged
stranglehold on the Northeast Division.

Note – Jason Spezza’s return from injury will continue to take place, but for tonight's game Spezza has been moved to the first line.

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