Hamilton 3 - Binghamton 2 (SO)
February 26, 2006
The Senators had their best start in weeks last night and everyone came out ready to play. Unfortunately so did the AHL rookie goalie they were peppering shots at. Jaroslav Halak stole the show by the stopping 38 of 40 B-Sens shots and 3 of 4 shootout attempts. Despite the loss the Sens need to use this as a game to build on. For the first time since their plummet into last place they started strong and showed hustle and puck control in all three periods. Billy Thompson was sharp in net and his teammates did an excellent shop helping out when things got a little chaotic at times.
The best part of this game is that they won over the fans again. On the drive to the game I commented to my wife how the fans were slowly becoming fed up with the team and how tonight could get ugly if the B-Sens played the same way they had the previous night. Fortunately that was not the case as they came out hustling and HITTING. Jan Platil was back in the lineup and he made up for lost time with several great hits and he was obviously getting under the skin on the Bulldogs players. Unfortunately, Lance Ward was still in the lineup. Ward is the Dr Jekyl and Mr Hyde of this team. At times he plays strong defense and uses his size to rush the puck and create scoring opportunities. At other times, like last night he nearly puts the puck in his own net on a clearing attempt, turns over the puck in front of his own net, and constantly passes the puck behind shooters on the power play.
The Senators season is quickly fading, but I’m hoping we will see more games like last nights and they will battle to get back to .500. There was improved play up and down the roster (well, except Ward). Martins is out of the doghouse. Bois continued his strong play. Filip Novak played one of his best games of the season and had numerous great scoring chances robbed by Halak.
The new inductee to the dog house has to be none other than Lance Ward. He has given the fans just too many reasons to cringe whenever he touches the puck, yet Coach Dave Cameron gives him tons of ice time. It is past time for Ward to step up and earn what he has been given.
Here is the Binghamton and Hamitlon coverage.
Notes: Bad news in the paper today when they reported Neil Komadoski is done for the season after tearing his labrum and fracturing his shoulder socket in Wednesdays game in Philly. His contract expires after this year so we may have seen his last game in a Sens jersey. Keep your eyes on the waiver wire for the Sens to either call someone up or sign someone to fill his roster spot.
Most of the Bull Dogs players went out of their way to give fans high fives as they exited the locker room between periods, especially goalie Olivier Michaud.
Trade bait? With the NHL trade deadline looming and Hasek hurt I’m going to be keeping an eye on the rumor mills. Ottawa doesn’t have much to offer in Binghamton. I’d love to see them move Ward, but Novak would attract more attention. I’m sure Eaves will attract a lot of interest, but I’m sure the Sens are unwilling to part with him. If a deal is made, my money says Bochenski is the one to go.
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