(UPDATE 5:46 PM)- While they both still remain on the roster with the big club, Andre Benoit and Robin Lehner have just been named to the AHL All Star Game. A total of 48 players were selected to take part in All Star weekend, which is scheduled for January 27th and 28th in Providence, Rhode Island.
With the Ottawa Senators just two days away from their season opening game in Winnipeg, Paul MacLean has begun to make some of the tough roster decisions.
As expected, Stefan Noesen (Plymouth) and Cody Ceci (Owen Sound) are headed back to Junior. Mike Hoffman and his two way deal are for Binghamton. And in a bit of a surprise move, Robin Lehner is sticking with the big team here in Ottawa.
For now anyway, Ottawa plans to carry three goaltenders.
Obviously not a long term solution but with a condensed schedule, and all three playing well in the abbreviated camp, it makes sense. MacLean has yet to decide who gets the nod on opening night. I had assumed it would be Craig Anderson but with Lehner sticking around, you never know.
You never want to read too much into line combinations during a practice but they take on added significance in the last practice before the team travels to their season opener. Here is how MacLean had the players lined up this morning.
- Michalek-Spezza-Silfverberg
- Latendresse-Turris-Alfredsson
- Greening-Smith-Neil
- Regin-O'Brien-Condra
- Methot-Karlsson
- Gonchar-Borowiecki
- Phillips-Wiercioch
The Sens are expected to fly out after this morning’s skate and will be back on the ice in Winnipeg tomorrow. Daugavins was the extra forward and Andre Benoit skated as the seventh defenceman. 13 forwards, 7 defenceman and 3 goalies.
Not long now, Sens fans!
