Either Chris Kelly or Tommy Wingels will replace Colin White for the Ottawa Senators tonight.
White, 20, made his NHL playoff debut in Game 6, but he only took seven shifts and logged 2:39 of ice time.
Clearly, head coach Guy Boucher didn’t trust the rookie in such a big game.
Tonight in Pittsburgh, it’s an even bigger game. Win and it’s off to the Stanley Cup Final. Lose and that’s it for the season.
Kelly, 36, and Wingels, 29, have each played their share of big games. Kelly went to a Cup final with the Sens in 2007, and he went to a couple more with the Bruins. Wingels played for the Cup last year with the Sharks.
“They both have lived seven games, and they both have won seven games,” said Boucher. “So those are the two guys we need to have out there.”
Kelly has only played once this postseason, all the way back in the first round against Boston. But with Derick Brassard seemingly unable to take faceoffs, Kelly may draw in because he’s a center.
“It will all depend if it’s a center or winger I’m going to need,” said Boucher.
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