Chris Neil is expected to remain in the Ottawa Senators' lineup in Game 6 despite playing just two and a half minutes in his team's Game 5 overtime win.

Neil made his playoff debut in Game 6 and received a 10-minute misconduct penalty in the second period after attempting to lure Tanner Glass into a fight. 

Despite his apparent lack of impact on the ice - officially finishing with 2:26 of time on ice - head coach Guy Boucher said Neil is a good bet to stay in the lineup.

“He’s definitely somebody who has a chance to play in the next game, for sure,” Boucher said Sunday, per the Ottawa Sun.

Boucher noted that Neil's impact came off the ice, on the bench and in pregame in his leadership abilities.

“It was just on the bench, I think it was before the game,” said Boucher. “(Neil’s) gained a lot of respect over the years, not just from his peers, but I think from the fans and from the other players in the league.

“He’s not just a tough guy, he’s a character. He’s brought a lot of leadership to our group and he’s had a terrific attitude during the games that he didn’t play in the playoffs. I’m sure that it’s difficult for him and guys like (Chris) Kelly when they’re not playing. But I’ve said I’ve always thought we’ll need everybody, depending on what we need for particular games.”

Neil took the place of Ryan Dzingel on the team's fourth line in Game 5, skating with Zack Smith and Tom Pyatt. Smith logged 14 minutes, while Pyatt played 12:48.

Dzingel, 25, owns one goal and one assist in nine playoff games. He is minus-2 in four games against the Rangers and logged a series-high 20:24 of ice time in the Senators double-overtime win in Game 2. He played in 81 games during the regular season, posting 14 goals and 32 points.

Boucher said the Senators needed to add an element of toughness to their lineup, leading Neil back into his first action since April 9.

“After the two games in New York, it was pretty clear we need to answer back some of the liberties they were taking on our skill guys and answer back with our own gritty guy,” Boucher said. “I thought (Neil) did a terrific job with his presence,. He did a terrific job doing what he needed to do on the ice, but also off the ice.

"And, yes, it did lift our guys up and a lot of skill guys played a terrific game. I thought they felt protected and I thought we were able to answer back what the opponent was giving us.”

Should Neil remain in the lineup, the 37-year-old will dress for his 95th career playoff contest in Game 6.