Sens reunite top trio
Oct 12, 2006 15:17:05 GMT -5
Post by cigarviper on Oct 12, 2006 15:17:05 GMT -5
Senators reunite top trio
12/10/2006 2:52:54 PM
In need of an offensive spark, Ottawa Senators coach Bryan Murray has decided to reunite his most potent trio.
CBC Sports
Daniel Alfredsson will be back on a line with Dany Heatley and Jason Spezza for Thursday's game against the Calgary Flames
Dany Heatley, Jason Spezza and Daniel Alfredsson - the Senators' top line last season - are getting to back together for Thursday's game against the Calgary Flames in Ottawa.
Murray actually first skated Heatley, Spezza and Alfredsson on one line in the late stages of Ottawa's 4-3 loss to the Buffalo Sabres on Saturday. The three players combined for two goals and six points in the third period.
"They were the one line that was a threat to score goals," said Murray.
"They scored a couple and it gives us a chance to have one group that will be continually pressuring in the offensive zone."
Murray decided the line juggling was necessary to jump start an offence that has only scored seven goals in its first three games and has just one goal on the power play.
In good company
Last season, Spezza, Heatley and Alfredsson combined for 296 points. Heatley led the team with 50 goals.
"Hopefully it can get us going," said Heatley. "We've struggled scoring the first three games."
After opening the season with a win in Toronto, the Senators have fallen at home to the Maple Leafs and Sabres.
"I don't think it's any time to panic," Spezza said. "We know we have to be a better team, especially to start off games."
Playing Heatley, Spezza and Alfredsson together isn't the only change Murray has in store for Thursday's match against the Flames.
Backup goalie Ray Emery is expected to get his first start of the season, filling in for a struggling Martin Gerber.
Gerber, who was signed as a free agent over the summer, has been shelled for nine goals on 48 shots in the last two games.
Gerber admitted that he's frustrated with his play to start the season and still struggling to find his rhythm.
"When you're 1-2, you can never be happy with that, and I wanted to start the season better than that," he said.
"I want to play as much as possible, but there aren't many games right now. It's the same thing for both guys. [Emery] deserves ice time too."
While Murray admitted Ottawa's sluggish start is part of the reason for the change, he dispelled any notions of a goaltending controversy.
"Martin has been fine," Murray said. "He hasn't been a star ... not that we expected him to be one."
Murray said. "He hasn't been a star ... not that we expected him to be one."
Ouch
The top line has to be neutralized on Saturday. I'm not worried.
Don't get too excited Dis. He doesn't stand a chance against Calgary or Montreal.
12/10/2006 2:52:54 PM
In need of an offensive spark, Ottawa Senators coach Bryan Murray has decided to reunite his most potent trio.
CBC Sports
Daniel Alfredsson will be back on a line with Dany Heatley and Jason Spezza for Thursday's game against the Calgary Flames
Dany Heatley, Jason Spezza and Daniel Alfredsson - the Senators' top line last season - are getting to back together for Thursday's game against the Calgary Flames in Ottawa.
Murray actually first skated Heatley, Spezza and Alfredsson on one line in the late stages of Ottawa's 4-3 loss to the Buffalo Sabres on Saturday. The three players combined for two goals and six points in the third period.
"They were the one line that was a threat to score goals," said Murray.
"They scored a couple and it gives us a chance to have one group that will be continually pressuring in the offensive zone."
Murray decided the line juggling was necessary to jump start an offence that has only scored seven goals in its first three games and has just one goal on the power play.
In good company
Last season, Spezza, Heatley and Alfredsson combined for 296 points. Heatley led the team with 50 goals.
"Hopefully it can get us going," said Heatley. "We've struggled scoring the first three games."
After opening the season with a win in Toronto, the Senators have fallen at home to the Maple Leafs and Sabres.
"I don't think it's any time to panic," Spezza said. "We know we have to be a better team, especially to start off games."
Playing Heatley, Spezza and Alfredsson together isn't the only change Murray has in store for Thursday's match against the Flames.
Backup goalie Ray Emery is expected to get his first start of the season, filling in for a struggling Martin Gerber.
Gerber, who was signed as a free agent over the summer, has been shelled for nine goals on 48 shots in the last two games.
Gerber admitted that he's frustrated with his play to start the season and still struggling to find his rhythm.
"When you're 1-2, you can never be happy with that, and I wanted to start the season better than that," he said.
"I want to play as much as possible, but there aren't many games right now. It's the same thing for both guys. [Emery] deserves ice time too."
While Murray admitted Ottawa's sluggish start is part of the reason for the change, he dispelled any notions of a goaltending controversy.
"Martin has been fine," Murray said. "He hasn't been a star ... not that we expected him to be one."
Murray said. "He hasn't been a star ... not that we expected him to be one."
Ouch
The top line has to be neutralized on Saturday. I'm not worried.
Don't get too excited Dis. He doesn't stand a chance against Calgary or Montreal.
