i wont say this is a must win...but t is a huge game.
-Start of November, where the Sens play some 'easier' teams, mostly at home(9/15). 7 games this month against direct playoff spot competition
-Have talked about consistency, discipline, identity etc...while they have shown flashes for shifts/periods and a couple games those themes have not solidified...has to start now
-A win here and they are in the thick of it for playoffs spots, a loss and they are floundering in the bottom feeders.
-There is some stat for teams after the first month/or 15 games barely any teams not in the playoff at that time have made the playoffs in the last 5 years. Of course it can and does happen, but shows ho hard it is in general to make up points with shootouts.
-Carolina, Wash, Jackets, Islanders all losing recently, lucky for the Sens...all teams the Sens will be fighting with all year. Sens play them all this month, including tonight, early season 4 pointer.
-internal pressure is mounting, Maclean really juggling line ups, talking about changes...Spezza an co. having meetings.....Murray giving the old vote of confidence to the players...no first round pick....budget concerns.
In short, the time is now to start with a big win over a direct rival for a playoff spot.
They stepped up in Detroit and I figure them step up again in this game.