Sens camp update
The Senators have lost Joe Corvo for 4-6 weeks with a broken foot after blocking a shot late in the Buffalo game. He’ll miss the start of the season, and fans and reporters have not been impressed with Corvo’s play in his own end. Corvo looks out of place, doesn’t seem to have good chemistry with his partner Wade Redden, and makes fans in Ottawa nervous the way he rushes the puck. It could be the start of a long 4 yearsv- is Corvo the new Sens whipping boy?
Anton Volchenkov broke a finger but should be back in time for the pre-season. Alfie and Peter Schaffer as well have sore groins and have missed time, but will be ready.
Rookie center Alexi Kaigorodov looks out of place, except on the power-play. John Muckler said he “looks terrified”, but he seems to have settled in a bit. The Sens are high on his long-term potential, but it appears it will take more then just a pre-season for him to get used to the small ice and the NHL game. He looks scared on the ice, and looks like a minor leaguer when he played with Alfie and Schaffer. He almost certainly won’t win the #2 center spot, like the Sens hoped he would in the best case scenario.
Free-agent Dean Mcammond has fit in well on all lines and in all postions he has played in, and looks to be an excellent team guy that can play on the top line or grind on the 4th line. The Sens have added another solid penalty-killer to their roster.
Martin Gerber has look alright- shaky at times and solid at other times.
Big Brian McGratton, the leagues best goon who led the NHL in fighting majors last year has impressed coach Murray with his improved skating. Big Brian should win more ice-time this year, and there is talk he may be used as a big-body in front of the net on the power-play. He has a good shot and may be able to fill the grinder role on the PP that Chara and Neil took turns at last year.