Down the NHL’s stretch run, the Ottawa Senators have gone through a number of call ups. The goal is obviously to give a number of young guys a taste of the NHL. Bobby Butler, Erik Condra and Zach Smith all look like they have locked up their spots in next season’s line up.
With just nine games to go in the regular season, Colin Greening is making a strong case to be a regular on this team in the 2011/2012 season.
Given a chance to take a regular shift on the team’s top line, Colin Greening is a player that has looked more and more comfortable each night. Greening, a 7th round pick in the 2005 draft, certainly looks like a guy that could contribute next season.
He has a rare combination of size and speed (won the team’s fastest skater competition) and always seems to know where to go on the ice. Much like fellow call-up Erik Condra, Greening seems to have terrific hockey sense, something you always look for in a young player.
In 17 games with the big club, the Newfoundland native has racked up 8 points and has a +2 rating while averaging 14:15 in ice-time a game.
There are a number of young players to get excited about if you are a fan of the Ottawa Senators. I think it’s safe to go ahead and add the name of Colin Greening to that list.
With two more points last night, Jason Spezza continues his late season push for the team’s scoring lead. He is now tied with Erik Karlsson at 44 points despite playing 17 fewer games.
There have been few more encouraging signs in this roller coaster of a season than the improved play of Jason Spezza. His development as a hockey player has been astounding to watch this year. And at just 27 years old, he is a terrific piece to build around moving forward.
Spezza, along with Erik Karlsson and Marek Svatos, missed practice in New York today. Sens visit the Rangers tomorrow night.
