R2GDT#4: Sens @ Rangers, May 4, 7:300pm

May the 4th and all that stuff. A Sens win will proverbially and literally put the Rangers in trouble.

After two so-so games from both the team and Andy they still have an opportunity to put a stranglehold on the Rangers and set up a home ice game to win out. All it will take is what they did in game one, or Andy to steal a game.

Smith is doubtful so expect lineup changes. Pyatt expected in for Smith and Boucher also hinted that Widenan may draw back in. Ryan took a Karlsson slapper above the knee but is expected to play.

Go Sens Go!!!

They only talked about the practices because Rangers do it every second day and the Sens don't. Pierre basically said he's done it both ways and it really depends on injuries and fatigue factor.

Karlsson actually came out for the morning skate (first time in forever) and then he was -3 on the night. I'm sure that's just as relevant as their lack of practice.

As for reinforcements making a difference, absolutely. For one thing, Smith is not able to go and Pyatt will definitely help there. Harpur was struggling and was outmuscled by Zucarello, of all people. For game 5 back home, I'd like to see White. Play him on the 4th line and use home ice to control who he plays against.

Pyatt in, Smith game time -- that means someone else is likely out.

Wideman will give us 3 balanced L/R pairings. Won't have someone like Claesson flipping between playing his wrong side with Harpur, and then his usual side when playing with Karlsson. In reality, though, checking the shift charts, Harpur played with Claesson only 4 shifts. The rest of the time Claesson played with Phaneuf quite a lot, as well as everyone else.