The Ottawa Senators are turning to Jonathan Cheechoo.
He hasn't played in the NHL since mid-February and spent the final two months of the season with the club's AHL affiliate in Binghamton, but Cheechoo will be front and centre tonight at Scotiabank Place against the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Struggling to score goals and shut down superstar Sidney Crosby at the same time, the Senators are going to place Cheechoo on the fourth line in place of Ryan Shannon to try to get some offence going.
Cheechoo skated with Jesse Winchester and Zack Smith during the morning skate. With Game 5 set for Thursday in Pittsburgh, the Senators need a win to tie the series up and ensure themselves another shot at the Penguins at home Saturday.
No pressure
Cheechoo isn't trying to put much pressure on himself.
"I look at this as a chance to help this team out," said Cheechoo. "I'm going to go in there and work my hardest. Hopefully, I'm able to bring a positive result."
Senators coach Cory Clouston said the club chose Cheechoo ahead of veteran Shean Donovan because of the possibility of getting more offence. Cheechoo has 16 goals and 19 assists for 35 points in 58 playoff games in his career.
"I just hope he can bring some energy, strong play at the net and, if need be, chip in offensively," said Clouston. "[Cheechoo] brings a little bit more speed. Jonathan had a real good playoffs last year. He's got a history of scoring some goals."
Alfredsson OK
Senators captain Daniel Alfredsson, hit by Sidney Crosby in Game 3, wasn't on the ice.
Clouston said he'll be fine to play.
"I'm sure he's feeling pretty good," said Clouston.
The Senators know the importance of this game.
"This is a huge game. We know that. It's going to be another exciting game and hopefully we come out on top," said Ottawa centre Chris Kelly.
The Penguins know the series is far from over.
"It's a challenge," said Pittsburgh coach Dan Bylsma. "This will be Ottawa's best game. That's what we're expecting from tonight. Playoffs is always about the next game and it's about the seven games."
Jordan Staal was named one of the three finalists for the Selke Trophy along with Detroit's Pavel Datsyuk and Vancouver's Ryan Kesler.
Line combinations:
Ottawa
Forwards
Regin-Spezza-Alfredsson
Cullen-Fisher-Foligno
Ruutu-Kelly-Neil
Winchester-Smith-Cheechoo
Defence
Phillips-Volchenkov
Sutton-Karlsson
Carkner-Campoli
Goalies
Elliott
Leclaire
Pittsburgh
Forwards
Kunitz-Crosby-Guerin
Ponikarovsy-Malkin-Dupuis
Cooke-Staal-Kennedy
Rupp-Talbot-Adams
Defence
Orpik-Gonchar
Eaton-Letang
Goligoski-McKee
Goalies
Fleury
Johnson
Injuries
Ottawa: Alexei Kovalev, RW, knee surgery (out for series); Filip Kuba, D, back surgery (out for series); Milan Michalek, LW, knee surgery (out for series).
Pittsburgh: Jordan Leopold, D, head (indefinite).
