Senators 3, Devils 1

So here's The Situation: Ottawa's pretty juiced up after six consecutive wins and Sens fans are fist pumping the air with approval. It also works in Ottawa's favour that Jersey has a banged up roster that looks like it was assaulted on a boardwalk. The only thing going for the Devils these days is the fact that Marty Brodeur is once again carrying a roster of grenade launchers. For him to pull off a victory, he'll need a wingman. Unfortunately for him, I don't think it'll happen tonight. Finally, I'll throw myself out there and say that Jason "Giggles" Spezza will J-Woww fans with a hat trick, so when he does throw some Snickers on the ice. GTL Baby!

(Ed. note: I just had a Twitter follower inform me that I reneged on my promise to keep betting against Ottawa until they actually lose. I forgot to. My bad. Tonight's loss is on me.

Lineups:

Here are the lines for tonight's game: Michalek-Spezza-Alfredsson; Kovalev-Regin-Shannon; Foligno-Fisher-Cheechoo; Ruutu-Kelly-Neil-Donovan. Alexandre Picard is the healthy scratch on defence tonight as Anton Volchenkov returns after his one-game absence. Brian Elliott, the NHL's first star last week will make another start denying the media of a Brodeur versus Brodeur novelty story.

Tuesday Linkage

• Ottawa: GM Bryan Murray thought he solved his goaltending problems when he acquired Pascal Leclaire from Columbus last season. Unfortunately, Leclaire has proven to be physically fragile and the Sens have struggled at times. Brian Elliott has been inconsistent and his lackluster play of late opened the door for rookie Mike Brodeur. Can those two get the job done? Coach Cory Clouston (one of Gordon’s chief competitors for the Jack Adams) and company find a way to sneak into the post-season. ~ Jay Feaster, The Hockey News

• From Ottawa Senators blog The 6th Sens: "Nick Foligno and Anton Volchenkov kicking off contract negotiations last night at the Lac Leamy Casino." Thanks for the clarification, because this didn't look anything like the Washington Wizards' locker room. ~ Puck Daddy
  

• Peter Regin and Brian Elliott were both rewarded over at NHL.com with the goal and save of the week.

• Our Bloguin brethren, Five For Smiting, has dropped trou on that Bruce Garrioch article that discussed how Ottawa will be buyers at the deadline. SLC doesn't pull any punches and apparently I'm not exempt from criticism as he writes, openly mock everyone who tells you we should trade him for picks and prospects just because he's UFA come July (sorry Nichols), there is nobody tougher than The Bear.  And thanks to Gary's stupidity in negotiating the salary cap with the NHLPA, a Hossa-esque front loaded 7 years, and $35M, with a pro-rated signing bonus ought to do it.