With last night’s 2-1 loss in Winnipeg, the Ottawa Senators now have just two games remaining in their preseason schedule.
It’s now decision time for Head Coach Paul MacLean.
After a fairly mediocre performance from a number of players that find themselves on the bubble heading into the final week of camp, the challenge for MacLean and his staff will be deciding if any of the young guys have done enough to push a veteran out of a spot.
This was a big game for the likes of Matt Puempel, Curtis Lazar, Jean Gabriel Pageau, Mark Stone and Mike Hoffman and none of them really did enough to stand out from the crowd. Not bad but just not outstanding.
If anything, Buddy Robinson was probably the most impressive of the forward group. And while he has probably increased his chances at a callup at some point this season, there just isn’t room for him on the roster right now.
On the blueline, Cody Ceci was the best of the bunch. His two way contract made him a little bit vulnerable heading into camp but he’s done enough to secure a roster spot to start the season Patrick Wiercioch is in a battle for a top six spot to start the season and probably didn’t do much to help his cause. Jared Cowen was…Jared Cowen.
The Senators now head back to Ottawa to make the remaining roster decisions. Paul MacLean has suggested he’d like to have his line up in place this weekend. The team also still needs to reach a decision on the next Captain.
It’s going to be a busy few days in Sens’ Camp but at this point it doesn’t look like they’ll be any big surprises.
Who do you think stood out last night?
