Marc Methot recorded a goal in Sunday's loss to San Jose. His first goal of the season made it 3-2 in the second period, but the Sharks added two in the third for a 5-2 victory. Methot and defense partner Erik Karlsson scored both goals for the Senators in the match. He has three points and 22 hits in 11 games this year.

Marc Methot is obviously an underdog to play for Canada at the Winter Olympics, but he believes he has what to takes to be successful in that environment. "I've got to play my lights out," he said after getting back from Hockey Canada's orientation camp. "There's no doubt that I'm a serious underdog. I mean, you look at all the big names. But do I think I'm an underdog? I don't think so. I know I can play there and do well." Playing alongside a healthy Erik Karlsson may help his statistics, but it's unlikely that you'll see him wearing the red and white maple leaf in Sochi.

Marc Methot's invitation to Team Canada's orientation camp might partially be a reflection of how he did for his country in the 2011 and 2012 world championships. "I think I turned a lot of heads with my play on the big (ice) surface," said Methot. "I think a big season is because of how I played on the big surface. A lot of it is about skating, and having my skating ability mixed in with the defensive game surely helped." The 2014 Olympics will be played on the bigger, international-sized rinks. Methot had 11 points and 31 penalty minutes in 47 games last season.

The Senators realize shutting down the Penguins' top offensive players is easier said than done. The key is to play smart and controlled. "People need to know when you're playing against great players, it's not always easy to be physical," Marc Methot said. "They're good for a reason. They don't put themselves in vulnerable positions where they'll get hit. It's going to be tough. The biggest thing is to stay tight in our own end and not get running around in our own end where they thrive."

Marc Methot scored and assisted in Ottawa's Game 1 win. He used a nice Milan Michalek screen to score the team's third goal. It was Methot's first two playoff points. He's unlikely to contribute much more an offensive capacity in this series as he had just 11 points all season.

Marc Methot returned to action on Saturday March 23.

Marc Methot (sprained right knee) was unable to play Thursday but is considered probable for Saturday's game. Methot tried to test the knee during Thursday's morning skate but it wasn't strong enough to justify playing against the Bruins. Coach Paul MacLean seems optimistic about Methot's chances of getting back in the lineup Saturday night. Owners will want to check back after Saturday's morning skate for official word.

Marc Methot has "a chance" of playing Thursday despite suffering what is believed to be a sprained right knee ligament on Tuesday against the Islanders. "(Methot) saw the trainers today and had treatment and we'll see how he is (Thursday)," said coach Paul MacLean Wednesday. "If he's good to go or not, we won't know until Thursday." If he can't play then it's expected that Mike Lundin will return to the lineup in his place.

Marc Methot appeared to suffer an injury to his right leg following a hard hit from Islanders forward Brad Boyes Tuesday night. The Senators have already been ravaged with injuries this season. The team is calling the ailment a "lower-body injury" and the severity isn't clear yet. Still, losing another top-four defenseman and important penalty killer will hurt the club in the meantime.

Marc Methot will play in his 300th NHL game on Friday. It will come at Madison Square Garden, too. "An injury last season kind of put me on the back burner for reaching that milestone," Methot said. "But yeah, it's exciting. Now that you mention it, it's a big step for me." The blueliner was drafted in the sixth round by Columbus in 2003, and he has played all but 24 games in his career with that organization. He has 55 points in six-plus seasons.