NYR VS OTTSens' Konopka, Carkner expected to play

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The Ottawa Senators are trying to take it all in stride.

But, as they prepare to face the New York Rangers tonight at Madison Square Garden in Game 7 of the Eastern quarter-final, they could be forced to make changes if Matt Carkner and Zenon Konopka can't go.

Neither was on the ice for the club's optional skate but coach Paul MacLean said both would be available. If they can't play, after not skating for the second straight day, then Matt Gilroy and Bobby Butler could play.

"We're keeping all our options open," said MacLean.

The Senators said they aren't nervous about the challenge of playing a Game 7 on the road.

"You can make big strides as a team to have a huge upset like this. There's a lot of pressure on that group.If we can move on and get to the second round, that's big step and give us a lot of experience," said Ottawa centre Jason. Spezza.

"To win a Game 7 would be a huge boost for our club. When you get a chance to be in these situations, you can learn a lot from them and, hopefully, we make the most of it."

Home ice advantage?

As usual, Rangers coach John Tortorella wasn't in the mood talk, but opened his mouth long enough to insist New York has the edge playing at Madison Square Garden tonight.

Tortorella refused to get into the reasons why.

"I just feel that we are at an advantage coming into our building for Game 7," said Tortorella.

Rangers captain Ryan Callahan, who didn't skate Wednesday, was back on the ice this morning. He said the club feels confident playing in its own building.

"It's big. That's home-ice is about, having this Game 7 at home, where you're comfortable," said Callahan. "You've got the crowd behind you. It's always nicer to play at home. At the same time, they've had some success in her. We've got to make sure we're ready to go."

Bound for Vegas

Senators defenceman Erik Karlsson will be headed to the NHL Awards in June.

Karlsson, 21, the NHL's leading scorer amongst blueliners during the regular season with 78 points, was named a finalist for the Norris Trophy as top defenceman along with Boston's Zdeno Chara and Nashville's Shea Weber in voting done by the Professional Hockey Writers Association.

"I'm very proud. It's big honoured to be named, especially with the guys that are there," said Karlsson. "It's been a good year. I'm nothing more than happy."

Projected lineups

New York Rangers

Forwards
Carl Hagelin-Brad Richards-Marian Gaborik
Brandon Dubinsky-Derek Stepan-Ryan Callahan
Artem Anisimov-Brandon Prust-Ruslan Fedotenko.
Chris Kreider-John Mitchell-Mike Rupp

Defence
Ryan McDonagh-Dan Girardi
Marc Staal-Anton Stralman
Michael Del Zotto-Stu Bickel

Goaltenders
Henrik Lundqvist
Martin Biron

Ottawa Senators

Forwards
Milan Michalek-Jason Spezza-Jakob Silfverberg
Nick Foligno-Kyle Turris-Daniel Alfredsson
Colin Greening-Zack Smith-Chris Neil
Zenon Konopka-Jim O'Brien-Erik Condra

Defence
Filip Kuba-Erik Karlsson
Jared Cowen-Sergei Gonchar
Chris Phillips-Matt Carkner

Goaltenders
Craig Anderson
Ben Bishop

 

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