Thompson Called up by Ottawa
February 28, 2006
Billy Thompson was recalled by the Senators. I was hoping Thompson would be called ahead of Kelly Guard, not because Thompson is playing better (which he isn’t), but because I hope a visit to the NHL will improve his game. Thompson has actually played better in the last week, but he is still not back to the form we saw last season. I doubt that he’ll actually see any game time while he’s in Ottawa, but just practicing with the team and working with the coaching staff should help improve his level of play.
This is Thompson’s first callup to the NHL, but it should seem familiar to him since he played with half the Senators players last season in Bingo. I expect he’ll get a warm reception and this move will build his confidence. If Hasek ends up being out for a longer period of time there is still the chance that Ottawa will make a deal for a legitimate NHL goalie such as Curtis Joseph. I also would not be surprised if Kelly Guard gets a callup so that Thompson can get some playing time while Guard gets a well earned chance to practice with the NHL club.
If you have NHL Center Ice, make sure you tune in to some of the games this week. The Senators first two games will be March 1st and 2nd against Pittsburgh and Washington. Will Emery start back to back games? He did that in the past with Binghamton, but he hasn’t had much playing time this season. Will Thompson make his NHL debut and face Ovechkin?
The biggest game to watch will be Saturday night when Ottawa faces Toronto for the latest battle of Ontario. Assuming Hasek is still injured, this will be Emery’s first game against the Leafs. I fully expect Domi and Tucker to make runs at Emery to try and get under his skin. I would love nothing more than to see the Sens take another big lead and Emery beat the crap out of someone in blue, but the more likely scenario is that he will be on a tight leash because the Sens can’t afford to lose two goalies to injuries. Hopefully his buddy McGratton will be dressed for the game and will have a chance to give Domi another nose job.
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