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LGD – Leafs vs. The Hamburgler

By Justin Fisher

Mar 21, 2015, 15:00 EDTUpdated:

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Unlike the Leafs, who have nothing left to play for for and seem to be completely unravelling, tonight’s Battle of Ontario carries major postseason implications for the Ottawa Senators.

With 12 games left in their season, the Senators sit exactly two points behind the Boston Bruins and the final Wild Card spot in the East, and with a game in hand. Ottawa has won five in a row and is 8-1-1 in their past 10 games, so hosting one of the worst teams in hockey at home on a Saturday night is a prime opportunity to jump into the playoffs. They just need to watch out for the #PeskyLeafs.

The Leafs

This is barely an NHL team at this point, but here we are. A win tonight and Toronto could jump the Carolina Hurricanes in the standings, which would be horrible for the Leafs’ draft stock. Hopefully the Hamburglar comes up with another big game and the Hurricanes topple the Rangers in Raleigh. Tanks Roll Forever.

Lineups provided by DailyFaceoff.com

Note: The Leafs loaned T.J. Brennan back to the Marlies, so it’s more likely we see Tim Erixon draw back into the lineup.

The Senators

Of their 12 remaining games of the season, the Senators play the Leafs three times. Ottawa will obviously be desperate to earn six-of-six points in those games, and they’ll certainly get chippy. Wait, no Chris Neil? Nevermind.

Lineups provided by DailyFaceoff.com

Starting Goaltenders

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What to Watch For

He’s been less-than-good since being acquired from Anaheim, but Eric Brewer is playing in his 1,000th NHL game tonight and that’s very cool. Brewer, a Vernon, B.C. native, was drafted by the New York Islanders with the fifth-overall pick of the 1997 Entry Draft. Over a 17-year career spent with six teams, Brewer has 75 goals and 267 points. Congratulations, Eric! Please don’t re-sign here in the offseason.